The July 2008 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Sarah Jane Dolliver’s reflections on the success of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Open House held June 7th, which attracted strong attendance, featured excellent vendors and air show performances, and resulted in nine new CPA members joining the organization. The newsletter emphasizes the value of pilots connecting with fellow aviators and celebrates the volunteers who made the event possible, including Wayne Hammack, Doug Hammack, and booth staff members Walt Barbo, Terry Barbo, Bill Linenberger, and Blanche Cohen.
A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to an educational article by FAA-designated Pilot Examiner Drew Chitiea addressing a critical and potentially life-threatening misconception among pilots: the instinct to attempt turning back to the runway after an engine failure during takeoff. Chitiea uses a tragic accident example and flight test procedures to demonstrate why this maneuver is nearly impossible at typical takeoff altitudes and almost always results in a spin and fatal impact. The article emphasizes the only safe response: lowering the nose, maintaining airspeed, and landing straight ahead.
Key Topics
- Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Open House – Successfully held June 7th with strong vendor participation and excellent weather
- New CPA Members – Nine new members recruited
- Engine Failure During Takeoff Safety – Critical analysis of why turning back to runway after engine failure is fatal
- Post-Takeoff Emergency Procedures – Proper techniques for landing straight ahead and maintaining airspeed
- Centennial Airport 40th Anniversary Celebration – Event mentioned but details incomplete
Events & Activities
- Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport Open House – June 7, 2008
- Fly-Ins Referenced – Valentine, NE and Pagosa Springs (photos featured in newsletter)
- Centennial Airport 40th Anniversary Celebration – Date and details not provided in excerpt
Member News
- New Members Welcome – Mark Bingham (Lakewood), Daniel Swathwood (Louisville), Alfred Eustes (Superior), Guy Miner (Henderson), Marijke Unger (Longmont), Bill Newhall (Boulder), Mike Snider (Fort Collins), Bruce Peters (Denver), and Rob Breitbarth (Denver)
- Volunteer Recognition – Wayne Hammack, Doug Hammack, Walt Barbo, Terry Barbo, Bill Linenberger, and Blanche Cohen thanked for contributions to Open House
- Merchandise Sales – Long-sleeved CPA shirts sold out due to cold weather at June 7th event
