The September 2005 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Bart Jones’s reflections on attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for the first time in ten years. Jones shares his observations on the dramatic evolution of general aviation and homebuilt aircraft over the past two decades, from fabric-and-wood construction to sophisticated fiberglass designs and the emerging Sport Pilot market. Despite high fuel prices, Jones expresses renewed confidence in general aviation’s vitality after witnessing the innovation and energy at Oshkosh, including the arrival of Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne on its way to the Smithsonian.
The newsletter also features a cautionary tale by Mark Hopkins about the theft of two GPS units from his Cessna 182 while it was at an avionics shop at Jeffco Airport. Hopkins details how thieves broke into the shop hangar, stealing specialized tools and his handheld Garmin GPS units that he had left in plain sight. Through this experience, Hopkins learned important lessons about aircraft security, insurance documentation, and the prevalence of stolen avionics being resold on eBay.
Key Topics
- EAA AirVenture Oshkosh attendance and observations on general aviation evolution
- Homebuilt aircraft sophistication and Sport Pilot market growth
- Aircraft security and theft of avionics equipment
- Importance of maintaining serial number records for insurance claims
- Stolen avionics resale market on eBay and pawn shops
- General aviation vitality and confidence despite high fuel costs
Member News
- President’s Message: CPA President Bart Jones shares insights from his first Oshkosh visit in ten years, highlighting the remarkable transformation in homebuilt aircraft design and the thriving Sport Pilot segment
- Member Spotlight: Mark Hopkins contributes a detailed account of GPS theft from his aircraft, offering practical security and documentation advice to fellow pilots
