The Spam Can Class is a friendly competition within Great Lakes STOL designed for pilots flying typical GA aircraft, often referred to as "spam cans" due to their all-metal construction and mass production. This includes popular airplanes like Cessnas, Pipers, and other standard general aviation aircraft—not just specialized STOL planes.

 

What Makes the Spam Can Class Unique?

This class is all about learning and improving STOL techniques in everyday aircraft. It gives pilots a chance to refine their skills, improve takeoff and landing distances, and gain confidence in their aircraft’s true capabilities. The focus is on precision, technique, and energy management, not just extreme STOL performance.

 

Spam Can Class Scoring – A Level Playing Field for All Aircraft

In the Spam Can Class, we use a unique scoring system that ensures fairness across different aircraft types while helping pilots assess and improve their STOL skills.

 

How Scoring Works:

Each pilot is given a "par" score based on their aircraft’s manufacturer-published takeoff and landing roll distances.

Your total takeoff and landing distance is measured during the competition.

Final Score = (Your Takeoff + Landing Distance) - Your Par Score

The pilot with the lowest score (the greatest improvement over their aircraft’s par) wins!

This system levels the playing field, allowing pilots to compete regardless of aircraft type while also providing a personal benchmark to measure skill improvement. 

 

Why Participate?

Discover what your aircraft can really do with the right approach and landing techniques.

Improve your short-field skills for safer, more confident operations at small and backcountry airports.

Compete in a fun, supportive environment with fellow pilots, no matter your experience level.

Whether you're flying a Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, or any other GA aircraft, the Spam Can Class is a great way to challenge yourself, learn valuable skills, and have a blast doing it!