The January/February 2007 issue of Flight Lines focuses heavily on runway incursion safety, a critical concern following a near-miss incident on January 5th between a Frontier Airlines Airbus and a Key Lime Air charter at Garfield County Regional Airport. CPA President Sarah Jane Dolliver emphasizes that runway incursions result from “snowbilling” miscommunications and highlights troubling statistics: the Northwest Mountain Region (including Colorado) reported 26 runway incursions in 2006, while the entire US saw 330 incidents. The president provides practical guidance for pilots, including the importance of effective radio communication, reading back instructions verbatim, familiarizing oneself with airport layouts, and maintaining adequate rest to combat human factors that contribute to incidents.
Additionally, the newsletter features an extended article by John Martyny describing a day spent touring Frontier Airlines operations, including behind-the-scenes access to Denver International Airport, baggage handling, aircraft loading, maintenance facilities, and a flight simulator experience. The article highlights the complexity of commercial airline operations and includes insights from Frontier CEO Jeff Potter on the challenges of managing a major airline.
Key Topics
- Runway incursion prevention and safety procedures
- Radio communication best practices and call sign confusion
- Human factors in aviation (fatigue, stress, decision-making)
- Defensive taxi techniques at controlled and uncontrolled fields
- Commercial airline operations and infrastructure
- Airbus flight operations and maintenance
Events & Activities
- January 5, 2007 – Near-miss runway incursion at Garfield County Regional Airport involving Frontier Airlines and Key Lime Air
- 2006 Northwest Mountain Region – 26 reported runway incursions
- Frontier Airlines facility tour including DIA, dispatch, maintenance hangar, and flight simulator experience
Member News
- Walt Barbo – Completed FAA Flight Review on August 18, 2006 at FTG with examiner Vern Foster; the two pilots represent a combined 130 years of flying experience
- Stan New – Won a Frontier Airlines day-long operational tour package and invited fellow CPA member John Martyny to participate
- Donna Haglin and The Milton Elmer Haglin Memorial Fund – Generous $1,000 donation to CPA’s Scholarship Fund
