The April 1997 issue of Flight Lines highlights activity across Colorado aviation, including updates on new flight operations in northern Colorado and mountain regions. President Bart Jones reports on outreach efforts at the Air Fair and shares information from the Wyoming Air National Guard about C-130 training operations near Cheyenne and available ATC services. Regional correspondents provide updates on the growing Aspen Flight Center in Fort Collins, improvements at Downtown Fort Collins Airport, and significant developments at McElroy Airport in Kremmling, where a new FBO has opened with 24-hour fuel service.
The newsletter also covers the recent Air Fair ’97 at Wings Over the Rockies Museum, which drew over 25,000 visitors despite competition from other local events. Featured speaker Scott Crossfield, the first pilot to fly at twice and three times the speed of sound, discussed future aviation technologies including Mach 5 aircraft and alternative fuels. Planning is already underway for Air Fair ’98, scheduled for March 7-8, 1998.
Key Topics
- C-130 Airlift Wing operations and low-level training routes from Cheyenne
- Wyoming Air National Guard ATC services and invitation to GA pilots
- New Aspen Flight Center flying club in Fort Collins-Loveland area
- Downtown Fort Collins Airport runway lighting and new grass airstrip opening
- Alpine Wings FBO opening at McElroy Airport (20V) in Kremmling with 24-hour fuel service
- McElroy Airport improvements including runway repaving, new lights, and VASI
- Air Fair ’97 attendance and aviation technology discussion
- State legislation tracking (SB 97-146) regarding intrastate air service
Events & Activities
- Air Fair ’97 at Wings Over the Rockies Museum – March 8-9, 1997 (25,155 visitors)
- Aspen Flight Center three-day ground school for private pilots – April 1997
- Downtown Fort Collins grass airstrip opening celebration breakfast – planned for late May or early June 1997
- Air Fair ’98 – scheduled for March 7-8, 1998
Member News
- Jim Roelfs and Clive Lingo – Owners of new Aspen Flight Center flying club in Fort Collins-Loveland; Roelfs previously operated Pilot Center at Downtown Fort Collins
- Doug Young – FBO operator at Alpine Wings, McElroy Airport; experienced pilot with 15,000+ hours including DC-3, PBY, C-46 bomber experience and 18 years Alaska charter flying
- Jim and Cindy Ashalter – Relocated from Kremmling to Montana; Cindy was airport manager and dedicated general aviation volunteer
- Scott Crossfield – Featured Air Fair speaker; aviation pioneer and first pilot to fly at Mach 2 and Mach 3
- Mike Silva – KCNC Channel 4 News Helicopter Pilot, entertained visitors at Air Fair
