Volume 12, No. 6 (June 1995) – This issue of Flight Lines covers the Colorado Pilots Association’s advocacy efforts, community engagement activities, and safety initiatives. President Mike Baldwin discusses ongoing efforts to contact elected officials regarding FAA reform, airport protection, and recreational radio licensing. The newsletter highlights the successful “Just Plane Fun” open house event at Centennial Airport on May 13, which attracted an estimated 6,000 attendees and featured Fantasy of Flight simulators. Additionally, the issue addresses noise concerns at Centennial Airport, medical certification policy changes, and celebrates the Mountain Flying Course as an essential training resource for Colorado pilots navigating high-altitude terrain.
The newsletter includes recognition of long-time CPA member Dick Bucknell’s appointment as chairman of the Colorado Aeronautics Board and acknowledges Darlene Malmquist’s resignation as secretary. A tribute to legendary aircraft designer Steve Wittman, who passed away in a tragic accident, is also included, along with an aviation advice column addressing best glide speed calculations by Brian Lewis, CFII.
Key Topics
- Independent FAA Reform advocacy and letters to elected officials
- Liability protection through additional insured status on aviation insurance policies
- FAA medical certification changes and safety statistics analysis
- Noise contour studies and potential night curfew restrictions at Centennial Airport
- Mountain Flying Course as essential training for high-altitude operations
- General aviation community relations and public education
- Best glide speed calculations and aircraft performance
Events & Activities
- Centennial Airport “Just Plane Fun” Open House – May 13, 1995 at Centennial Airport; estimated 6,000 attendees including families and community members; featured Fantasy of Flight simulators, various aircraft types (warbirds, antiques, homebuilts, business jets), and Copter 4
- Mountain Flying Course – May 1995; presented training on safe high-altitude flying principles; additional course scheduled later in the year with Colorado Aeronautics Board funding
- Four Corners Air Show – Upcoming event requiring aircraft repositioning to Durango
Member News
- Dick Bucknell – Long-time CPA Board member named chairman of the Colorado Aeronautics Board
- Darlene Malmquist – Resigned as CPA Secretary and Board member due to increased workload at her primary employment; recognized for her contributions to the organization
- Steve Wittman – Legendary aircraft designer and pilot (1911-1995) passed away in a tragic accident; designed and raced aircraft for 70 years and flew aerobatic routines at age 90; Oshkosh airfield named in his honor
- Brian Lewis, CFII – Contributed aviation advice column addressing best glide speed calculations and aircraft performance
- Volunteers at Centennial Event – Marilyn Taylor and Walt Barbo operated Fantasy of Flight simulators; Jack Cronin, Don Ciandalt (APA Manager), Ken Maenpas, Lori Hinton, and Gwen Bark recognized for organizing the successful open house
