Flight Lines (February 1996, Volume 13, No. 1) focuses on Colorado’s aviation landscape and the Colorado Pilots Association’s ongoing efforts to protect general aviation interests. The primary concern addressed is airport encroachment, exemplified by a proposed 1,500-unit apartment complex near Centennial Airport—the second busiest general aviation airport in America. Despite initial setbacks, CPA successfully lobbied the Douglas County Land Use Planning Commission to vote against the development after presenting testimony on safety and noise concerns. The newsletter also highlights several positive initiatives: new state legislation to support aviation education, the potential reopening of seaplane bases at Jackson Reservoir after 24 years, efforts to restore backcountry recreational landing strips, and the establishment of a new CPA flight training scholarship for financially needy pilots.
President Patti Arthur emphasizes the importance of community engagement and volunteer involvement, announcing plans to strengthen CPA’s committee structure and inviting members to participate in various initiatives. The organization continues to advocate for general aviation at state and local levels while supporting allied organizations and individual pilots working on aviation-related projects.
Key Topics
- Airport encroachment and residential development near Centennial Airport
- Douglas County Land Use Planning Commission hearing and decision
- New state legislation for Colorado Division of Aeronautics (Rep. Lew Entz bill)
- Seaplane base development at Jackson Reservoir
- Backcountry recreational landing strip reopening initiative
- CPA Flight Training Scholarship establishment
- Community support for local airports program
- Volunteer committee structure development
Events & Activities
- January 8, 1996: Douglas County Land Use Planning Commission hearing and testimony
- Annual Meeting held in November 1995 (CPA officer elections)
- September 14-15, 1996: Mile-High Air Derby (Colorado Chapter of the 99’s)
Member News
- Leadership Recognition: Patti Arthur (President), Bill Hamilton (Vice President), Terry Barbo (Secretary), and Robert Henley (Treasurer) serve as CPA officers for the current fiscal year
- David Rozansky: Editor of the Rocky Mountain Air Traveler newspaper, strong GA supporter
- David Williams: Leading efforts to reopen seaplane bases in Colorado at Jackson Reservoir
- Ed Huber: Spearheading backcountry recreational landing strip reopening initiative
- Sue Osborne: New Board of Directors liaison representing Colorado Chapter of the 99’s; organizing volunteers for Mile-High Air Derby; assisting with flight training scholarship
- Steve Arthur: Safety and Education Committee Chair who testified before Douglas County planning commission
- Carl Mason: CPA member who testified on noise issues at Centennial Airport
