This September 1998 issue of Flight Lines, the Colorado Pilots Association newsletter, leads with a feature on member Steve Dyer and his beautifully restored 1944 Beech Staggerwing aircraft, which won reserve grand champion at Oshkosh in 1997. The newsletter emphasizes safety awareness following several tragic aircraft accidents in the region during the summer, with President Bart Jones addressing the dangers of stall/spin situations and urging members to practice these critical maneuvers during their bi-annual flights. The issue also highlights historical member stories, including Walt Barbo’s memorable final flight in a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft and the relocation of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum’s B-52 bomber after a fire.
Throughout the newsletter, CPA promotes its final fly-in of the season to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park in South Dakota, organized by member Marie Mozden. The trip includes an aerial tour of local attractions, lodging at the historic Game Lodge, guided bus tours, and a Saturday night banquet. A second annual Full Moon Hangar Party is also announced, featuring special entertainment.
Key Topics
- Aircraft safety and stall/spin accident awareness
- Member aircraft restoration and aviation heritage
- Historical flying experiences from World War II pilots
- Museum aircraft maintenance and relocation projects
- Seasonal fly-in activities and events
Events & Activities
- Mount Rushmore Fly-In Trip: Custer State Park fly-in with aerial tour of Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, organized by member Marie Mozden; includes lodging at Game Lodge (National Register of Historic Places), $33.60 bus tours, and Saturday night banquet. Contact Marie at (303) 442-4294 or Sarah Barclay at (303) 444-5560
- 2nd Annual Full Moon Hangar Party: Saturday, October 3 at Pearson Airfield, featuring Doug Bushwell and the Doug Bushwell Orchestra
Member News
- Steve and Susan Dyer Featured: Steve owns Univair Aircraft in Aurora (aviation parts and accessories company); their 1944 Beech Staggerwing restored over 13 years, cruises at 200 mph at 13,000 feet, won reserve grand champion at Oshkosh 1997
- Walt Barbo Spotlighted: CPA member and WWII P-38 Lightning fighter pilot who flew in the Pacific theater; shared memories of his final P-38 flight in January 1946 near Korea, an improvised hunting mission for snow geese
- Marie Mozden Recognized: CPA member cattle rancher organizing the Mount Rushmore fly-in trip
