Flight Lines, Vol. 6, No. 7 (August 1989), features President Walt Barbo’s account of a Post Jackpot Air Tour to West Yellowstone, where he and Terry Barbo observed the significant forest fire damage from the previous year’s fires. Though the extended tour attracted minimal participation, Barbo completed the journey and noted that while his DME equipment (repaired due to a loose tuning cap) proved comforting over mountainous terrain, the devastation witnessed made the area an inadvisable overnight destination. The issue also highlights significant aviation developments including Mode C transponder compliance challenges and regulatory updates from Denver Tower.
The newsletter contains several informative tidbits from industry professionals shared at CPA-sponsored events, including insights from Denver Tower Representative Steve Harless regarding VFR operations over the Denver TCA and Mode C requirements, as well as updates from AOPA Air Safety Foundation staff on emerging navigation systems like LORAN C and GPS technology.
Key Topics
- Post Jackpot Air Tour to West Yellowstone
- Forest fire damage assessment and observation
- Mode C transponder installation and FAA waivers
- Denver TCA VFR operations and safety concerns
- LORAN C ground station construction
- Global Positioning System (GPS) development and satellite deployment
- DME equipment repair and maintenance
- Aircraft accident prevention programs
Events & Activities
- June 26, 1989: Accident Prevention Program at Northglenn Holiday Inn featuring AOPA Air Safety Foundation Staff Member Andy Serrell
- June 29, 1989: CPA/FAA Wings Program at Clarion Southeast Hotel with Denver Tower Representative Steve Harless
- July 1, 1989: Mode C transponder deadline for Denver TCA 30-mile veil compliance
- August 1989: Post Jackpot Air Tour (extended tour with minimal participation)
- 1989 Denver-to-Jackpot Air Classic: Multi-state air race covering approximately 600 miles
Member News
- Walt Bell: CPAer wins Class C of the 1989 Denver-to-Jackpot Air Classic flying a turbocharged 1964 Mooney S21
- Robert Sumner: Aurora Airpark-based pilot recognized for proactive Mode C compliance; granted early FAA waiver requiring VFR operations on direct course south of I-70 at altitudes below 1,000 feet AGL between Aurora Airpark and Byers
- Arnold Goldburg: Author of June “Point of View” article “AOPA and the Private Pilot”; received professional response from AOPA Pilot’s Richard Collins
