The May 2026 Colorado Pilots Association Flight Lines newsletter emphasizes community-building and strengthening general aviation during the peak flying season. President Andy Holmes urges members to actively engage by attending fly-ins, participating in non-flying CPA activities, and welcoming newcomers to aviation. A significant focus is bridging communication with neighboring communities through professional interactions that highlight airports’ essential infrastructure role while acknowledging legitimate noise concerns and explaining the necessity of training operations like touch-and-go landings.
The newsletter stresses the importance of recognizing mechanics and technicians as vital contributors to aviation safety and community. Holmes advocates for members to serve as ambassadors who listen to community concerns, explain aviation’s value to the broader public, and invite non-pilots to experience aviation firsthand. Throughout the message, there is emphasis on making aviation visible, welcoming, and connected—from supporting student pilots and young aviators to helping sustain Colorado’s aviation culture through organized events and informal hangout gatherings.
Key Topics
- Strengthening the aviation community during spring, summer, and fall seasons
- Importance of attendance at fly-ins and community events
- CPA’s Need a Ride program for non-pilots
- Value of informal hangout gatherings and ramp neighborliness
- Welcoming and supporting student pilots, young aviators, and newcomers
- Recognition of mechanics and technicians as essential aviation professionals
- Community engagement and noise abatement procedures
- Airports as critical infrastructure for emergency response, medical transport, and economic activity
- Professional interaction with non-flying communities
- Introductory flight experiences and airport tours for the public
Events & Activities
- CPA fly-ins scheduled throughout spring, summer, and fall 2026 (details in monthly Flight Lines)
- Safety seminars and informal hangar gatherings
- TRACON, ARTCC, and tower tours
- Boulder NOAA facilities visits
- CPA annual Hangar BBQ
- Young Eagles Rally Day (date referenced in table of contents)
- Emily Warner 50th Anniversary Celebration
- Rocky Mountain Metro, JAA Fly-In
- Colorado Aviation Classic
- Longmont event
- Greeley, Piper Club International event
- Lincoln, Nebraska event
- Sedona, Arizona event
Member News
- Featured Aircraft: N277WG, Sling TSi owned by Brian and Laurie Garrett based at KBJC (photo credit: Brian Garrett)
- Wings Podcast: Behind the Wings podcast honored for achievement
- Historical Recognition: Emily Warner 50th Anniversary Celebration planned
- Leadership Recognition: Bill Marvel acknowledged as CPA Fly-In Chair; Chris Kilker acknowledged as CPA Activities Chair
