The April 2016 issue of Flight Lines covers important legislative and regulatory matters affecting Colorado pilots. The newsletter highlights ongoing discussions about FAA reauthorization, with the Senate pursuing S.2658 as an alternative to the House’s H.R. 4441, which would privatize air traffic control and impose user fees on general aviation. President Gary Tobey emphasizes the critical need for pilots to advocate for legislative support, particularly regarding the Pilots’ Bill of Rights 2 and opposition to ATC privatization. Additionally, the newsletter addresses practical changes pilots will face, including the transition from domestic flight plan forms to ICAO format by October 2016.
Notable progress in Colorado includes House Bill 16-1315, which would enable seaplanes to operate on Colorado waters—a effort led by Ray Hawkins of the Seaplanes Pilots Association working with CPA. The newsletter also notes the arrival of the historic Columbine II presidential aircraft at Dynamic Aviation in Virginia for restoration after decades of storage. On the local level, the new 2016-2017 Colorado Aeronautical Charts are now available for pilots.
Key Topics
- FAA Reauthorization: Senate Bill S.2658 vs. House Bill H.R. 4441; opposition to ATC privatization and user fees
- Pilots’ Bill of Rights 2 (H.R. 1062): Medical certificate simplification and protection of general aviation freedoms
- Colorado Seaplanes Legislation: House Bill 16-1315 to open Colorado waters to seaplane operations
- ICAO Flight Plan Format: Transition from domestic to ICAO format effective October 1, 2016
- Aviation Safety and Medical Standards: Aeromedical reform and third-class medical certificate modernization
- NextGen Implementation: Accelerated integration of unmanned aircraft systems and air traffic management modernization
Events & Activities
- 2016 CPA Fly-ins scheduled throughout the year (organized by Bob Kinney and other CPA members; details available on CPA calendar)
- March 23, 2016: Columbine II (historic presidential aircraft) arrived at Dynamic Aviation’s Bridgewater Airpark, Virginia for restoration
Member News
- Ray Hawkins (Seaplanes Pilots Association/CPA): Recognized for extensive work leading Colorado seaplane legislation initiative
- Congressman Scott Tipton: Already co-sponsoring H.R. 1062 (Pilots’ Bill of Rights 2)
- Vice President Bill Totten: Seeking member ideas for CPA activities and organizational improvements
- President Gary Tobey: Emphasizes importance of continued go/no-go decision-making and legislative advocacy by all CPA members
