The short take-off and landing competition in Valdez, Alaska has, like many competitive events, spawned a wide range of technological advancements. Granted, competitive bush plane flying takes a back seat to lawn mower racing when it comes to esoteric motorsports. But within the world of bush pilots and those from the "lower 48" who enjoy flying slow, the challenge of Valdez means new innovations show up every year.

Not all of the ideas that are tried in Valdez end up helping pilots to the podium, but walking down the flight line, there are many interesting ideas being tested.

Photos: Jason Paur / Wired.com