The July 2014 issue of Flight Lines highlights the overwhelming success of CPA’s 2014 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo held at Fort Collins/Loveland Airport, which drew approximately 2,000 attendees and featured over 60 aircraft. The event’s major accomplishment was a last-minute venue move from Front Range Airport, coordinated by chair Mark Brown and his committee. A particular highlight was AOPA President Mark Baker’s arrival in his amphibious Cessna Caravan, which he graciously used as the backdrop and podium for the Town Hall meeting. With over 140 seminar attendees and positive feedback all around, CPA leadership believes the Expo has established itself as a premier aviation event in the region.
Beyond the Expo, CPA continues to strengthen relationships with Colorado airports through collaboration with the Colorado Airport Operators Association and is actively working to increase pilot membership and engagement. President Ann Beardall emphasizes the importance of pilots filling their planes with passengers and attending multiple aviation events throughout the state to create a positive awareness for aviation. The organization is planning additional Meet and Greet sessions for the fall to foster continued airport-pilot partnerships and promote flying to all Colorado airports.
Key Topics
- 2014 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo success and venue change to Fort Collins/Loveland
- AOPA President Mark Baker’s surprise appearance with amphibious Cessna Caravan
- Collaboration between CPA and Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA)
- Membership growth and engaging inactive pilots
- Mountain flying skills and density altitude awareness
- Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC) runway reconstruction and reopening
Events & Activities
- 2014 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo – Fort Collins/Loveland Airport (FNL), featuring 60+ aircraft, 2,000 attendees, pancake breakfast, vendor exhibits, seminars (including Mountain Flying session with 50 attendees), and aircraft displays including warbirds and spray plane
- Leadville Mountain Flying Trip – July 4th, 2014 to highest public use paved runway in North America
- Taos Flyin – May 31 – June 1, 2014, including 23 aircraft, Rio Grande Gorge rafting, dinner at Rancho Plaza Grill, and scenic mountain flight
- Atchison Upcoming Fly-in – mentioned as upcoming event
- Fall CAOA Meet and Greet – planned for fall 2014
Member News
- Mark Brown – Expo Chair, coordinated last-minute venue change and overall event success
- Mark Baker – AOPA President, flew in with amphibious Cessna Caravan
- Bill Standerfer – Led Mountain Flying seminar (50 attendees)
- Babette André – ATP, CFII, MEI; AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer; contributed article on BJC runway reopening
- Ann Beardall – CPA President, presented at CAOA conference on CPA goals
- Expo Committee – Chuck King, Paul Rupprecht, Bill Totten, Walt Barbo, Bryce Verreyen, Steve Stratton, Walt Bell, and numerous volunteers recognized for contributions
