I passed through the Valdez, Alaska airport last weekend and came upon the short takeoff and landing contest. It was interesting to see the crowd that attended the event. It was a spectator sport rather like a football game down here.

Here are some short clips of some of the contestants: (CLICK ON PICTURE TO VIEW)

Thanks for sharing. I love watching these short field take off and landing clips.

That has to be great fun!

Flew into Valdez in 1979. The weather came in and they rushed us out to the Twin Otter to leave. It was a little hairy for me. The guy in the right hand seat was standing and motioning for the pilot to go this way or that. It seemed to be a very narrow, crooked path through the mountains flying out. I took one days pay and quit. I wasn't going to fly in every other week.
Butch

Butch,
Sounds like you departed through the "pass". In weather I can imagine the pucker factor.

We left via the bay that connected to the harbor which was relatively wide and the weather was clear. The other direction would have gotten my attention in good weather and a lot more attention in bad.

I have nothing but admiration of the people who regularly fly in these areas.