Kyle Mooney wins first STOL competition on BGD ICON proto

Congratulations to Kyle Mooney, who won the first ever Paramotor STOL Classics competition flying a BGD Icon 16 prototype. Due for release in 2025, the ICON will be a playful all-rounder for experienced pilots for everyday use, including slalom, XC – whatever their preference.

STOL stands for Short Take-Off and landing. The competition tested a range of skills, with navigation, speed run/estimate, treasure hunt, spot landing, bowling, and STOL (short take off and landing) tasks – the shortest launch possible combined with the shortest possible landing with the engine on.

"Once you land and stop movement completely is where you are marked", Kyle explained. "The wind plays a large role as well as glider choice. For this competition you were only allowed one motor and one glider for all tasks including STOL, navigation, treasure hunt, speed, spot landing, and bowling".

This inaugural STOL event took place in Sunniland Airport, Florida from 8-16 December. Kyle won overall, with Whitney Horky and Gillian Wintermute in second and third places. "It goes to show there is no reason for a women’s division in classic comp", said Kyle. "They are incredible pilots and deserve the podium. There were 3 women competing among all the men at the comp, and 2 of them were on the podium".

We look forward to following future STOL events, of which there are several in the pipeline for 2025.

Podium
1. Kye Mooney
2. Whitney Horky
3. Gillian Wintermute

Photos: Facebook / One Up Adventures