Flight Lines May 2017 focuses on spring aviation opportunities and regulatory updates for Colorado pilots. President Gary Tobey highlights successful April fly-ins to events like Vern Foster’s 100th birthday celebration in Enid, Oklahoma, and visits to the Weisbrod Museum in Pueblo. The newsletter addresses ongoing challenges including Colorado’s continued prohibition on seaplanes on state-controlled waters, despite efforts by CPA member Ray Hawkins and the Seaplane Pilots Association. Additionally, the new BasicMed third-class medical reform took effect May 1, 2017, offering simplification though with a learning curve for pilots and physicians.
Key regulatory concerns include the Denver Metroplex airspace plan taking effect in 2019, with particular worry about corporate turbojet descent corridors affecting training and glider areas. Tobey also warns against potential privatization of Air Traffic Control, which could harm general aviation and smaller airports. The newsletter includes guest content discussing BasicMed’s limitations and humorous FAR Part 0 regulations.
Key Topics
- BasicMed third-class medical reform effective May 1, 2017
- Seaplane prohibition in Colorado and advocacy efforts
- Denver Metroplex airspace plan concerns (2019 implementation)
- Air Traffic Control privatization opposition
- ADS-B requirements and regulations
- Weisbrod Museum in Pueblo
Events & Activities
- April 2017: Fly-in to Enid, Oklahoma for Vern Foster’s 100th Birthday celebration
- April 2017: Weisbrod Museum visit in Pueblo
- May 1-7, 2017: Four FAA Metroplex workshops in Denver area
- September 14-17, 2017: CPA Ogden, Utah Fly-in at Hotel Ben Lomond, featuring Hill Aerospace Museum tour, Union Station museums, Snowbasin gondola ride and hike, Frank Lloyd Wright home tour, Historic 25th Street exploration, and Municipal Gardens evening concert
- May 2017: CPA logo merchandise available through Land’s End
Member News
- Vern Foster: Celebrated his 100th birthday in Enid, Oklahoma with CPA fly-in attendees
- Ray Hawkins: Leading seaplane advocacy efforts; working on proof of concept at Lake Meredith, Colorado’s first officially designated seaplane base
- Walter Bell: CPA Airspace Monitor attending Denver Metroplex meetings and FAA workshops
- Bob Kinney: Leading CPA Fly-In Committee organizing Ogden and other summer fly-in opportunities
