“`html
October 1994 Flight Lines covers several major issues affecting Colorado pilots and general aviation. President Mike Baldwin highlights significant legislative victories, including President Clinton’s signing of product liability reform legislation creating an 18-year statute of repose, which has already prompted aircraft manufacturers like Cessna to resume production of popular models. The newsletter emphasizes CPA’s role as “the voice of general aviation” in advocating for Colorado pilots on issues ranging from airport lighting to regulatory matters. Key community activities are also featured, including successful participation in the Rocky Mountain Air Fair, the Greeley Colorado Air Festival, and support for Granby Airport development.
Advocacy remains a central theme throughout the issue. Baldwin details CPA’s involvement in the Gunnison County Airport lighting controversy, where he and Area Representatives Mike Vader and Carol Skelton testified in support of pilot-controlled lighting on September 20. The newsletter also addresses concerns about the Mode C Veil rule and encourages members to submit evidence supporting elimination of this regulation. Additionally, Director Bill Marshall is chairing a committee to address liability protection for CPA officers and directors involved in public-benefit events such as the Student Airlift, Air Classic, and Mountain Flying Course.
The newsletter emphasizes community engagement and membership growth, noting the importance of recruiting new pilots to revitalize general aviation. It celebrates member contributions to various events and recognizes the volunteer efforts of numerous CPA members. The issue concludes with an invitation to attend CPA’s Annual Meeting on November 5 for both business and fellowship.
Key Topics
- Product Liability Reform legislation signed by President Clinton with 18-year statute of repose
- Pilot-controlled lighting advocacy at Gunnison County Airport
- Mode C Veil rule elimination efforts and economic impact documentation
- Liability protection for CPA events and officers/directors
- Recruitment of new pilots through AOPA Mentor program
- Airport safety concerns with airline commuter traffic patterns
- Rocky Mountain Air Fair participation
- Granby Airport development support
Events & Activities
- CPA Annual Meeting – November 5, 1994 with program and lunch
- DIA Fly-in – September 25, 1994, approved with assistance from Norm Avery
- Gunnison County Airport public hearing – September 20, 1994 regarding pilot-controlled lighting
- Rocky Mountain Air Fair – featured speakers Gordon Baxter, Kas Thomas, Mick Wilson, Papa Bear, and over 100 exhibitors
- Greeley’s Colorado Air Festival – second weekend of September, organized by Air Power West President Dick Jones
- Granby Airport fundraiser event – Papa Bear survival program
- Wray career day – aviation education outreach
Member News
- Norm Avery – DIA Public Affairs Officer and CPA member recognized as driving force behind DIA fly-in approval, flew his 1946 Ercoupe to the event
- Joe Thibodeau – P-51 aircraft owner who participated in DIA fly-in
- Mike Vader and Carol Skelton – CPA Area Representatives who testified at Gunnison County hearing supporting pilot-controlled lighting
- Lucille Bledsoe – Participated in Wray career day and provided first flying lesson to Dewie Whomble
- Penny and Bill Hamilton – Leaders of advocacy group supporting Granby Airport development; Bill Hamilton serves as CPA Director
- Bob and Caroline Doubek – CPA Directors who assisted with Granby Airport fundraiser
- Walt Barbo and Marilyn Taylor – Led volunteer effort for Rocky Mountain Air Fair
- Frank Gallo – Coordinated CPA volunteer program for Air Fair
