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Pilot of the month

Meet Jay Stanford

‘Pure’ flying in a Cub

By Cayla McLeod Hunt

If you’ve been to a short takeoff and landing competition on the East Coast or in the Midwest, then you’re sure to recognize this month’s “Pilot of the Month.”

Jay Stanford is an instrument-rated private pilot with a true love for all things STOL. He got his start in aviation “in a J–3 while I was in my mom’s belly,” said Stanford. “Aviation has just been my life. I haven’t gone more than four months without flying, ever.”

Stanford began flying at 13 in a Taylorcraft. “When it was finally time to solo, it was second nature. I’ve always flown tailwheel, it’s just what we’ve had. I flew that Taylorcraft for 10 years before I had access to anything else.”

Sure, Stanford loved that Taylorcraft, but it wasn’t until a few years later that he really found his one true love. “One day I got the chance to fly a Super Cub. That’s what did it. It was a yellow, 150-horse Cub and I had never flown something that pure before. It was awesome. I knew I had to have one.”

Fast forward to today, and Stanford has scratch-built an impressive STOL Super Cub that wows crowds across the country. Not only does this airplane compete (and win) on a regular basis, but Stanford also uses the airplane to spend quality father-son time with his mini-me, Tripp.

Stanford said his biggest piece of advice to those looking to get started in STOL is to “learn something every time you go fly. Don’t just go fly to poke a hole in the sky. Practice coordinated turns, slow flight, and continue to build your proficiency, because all STOL is, is proficiency. Practice helps build the skillset that’s needed to hit the line every time.” [email protected]

Follow Jay Stanford on Instagram @jay.j.stanford

Post of the month

Thanks, Fly With Bruno!

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No purchase, membership, or contribution necessary. See official rules at aopa.org/sweeps.

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View the video

These and other videos can be accessed in the AOPA Pilot Digital Edition and on YouTube.

aopa.org/digitaleditions