April 1986 Flight Lines focuses on alternatives to airplane ownership, aviation fuel pricing disparities across Colorado, and a profile of Tri-County Airport. President Vern Foster addresses the significant variations in AV gas prices at FBO locations and encourages CPA members to be informed consumers. He highlights three practical alternatives for pilots without personal aircraft: flying clubs, FBO rental services, and partnership arrangements. The issue also features a detailed article by Dick Mansfield about Tri-County Airport’s operations and the challenges facing general aviation airports in the region.
The newsletter emphasizes broader concerns about general aviation’s decline, noting that airport numbers have dropped from approximately 20,000 in the 1950s to under 12,000 by the 1980s due to inflation, land development, noise issues, and rising operational costs. Tri-County Airport is highlighted as an example of a thriving facility under new management, offering various services to support the aviation community in the Boulder/Loveland area.
Key Topics
- Aviation gasoline pricing disparities along Colorado’s Front Range
- Alternatives to aircraft ownership: flying clubs, FBO rentals, and partnerships
- General aviation airport decline over three decades
- Tri-County Airport operations and services
- Impact of inflation and land development on regional airports
- Fuel price stabilization trends
Events & Activities
- Tri-County Airport daily operations: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (winter), 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (summer)
- CPA membership encouraged to visit local flying clubs and FBO facilities
- Copy deadline for May Flight Lines: April 20
Member News
- Tom Daly featured with photo of his T182RG aircraft over the Grand Canyon and Baja region (photo credited to Walt Barbo)
- Tom Pierce (Tri-County Airport operator) highlighted for managing airport operations and residential airpark development following his father’s passing
- Dick Mansfield (CPA Area Representative, Boulder/Loveland) serving as regional advocate for airport issues
