Colorado Pilots Association Flight Lines – May 1987 (Vol. 4, No. 4) – This issue focuses on proper traffic pattern procedures and safety at Colorado airports, highlighted by President Sonny Elgin’s message emphasizing the importance of orderly, consistent flight patterns. The newsletter also features coverage of a special reception for the VOYAGER crew at Jeffco Airport, where members had the rare opportunity to meet Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager and learn about their historic non-stop around-the-world flight. The issue celebrates CPA member Evan Slack’s volunteer flight with Dick Rutan to Mohave, sharing firsthand insights about the incredible aircraft and mission.
The newsletter includes practical guidance on maintaining proper downwind and base leg distances, using unicom frequencies courteously, and reducing accident risks through disciplined pattern flying. The VOYAGER reception provided fascinating mission details, including the aircraft’s 9-day, 3-minute, 44-second journey covering 25,072 miles, and interesting crew insights such as the challenges of dehydration and significant weight loss during the flight.
Key Topics
- Proper traffic pattern procedures and safety at Colorado airports
- Downwind and base leg distances for safe, orderly traffic flow
- Unicom communication etiquette and best practices
- VOYAGER aircraft design, construction, and non-stop around-the-world mission
- VOYAGER flight performance data and crew experiences
- Challenges of long-duration flight including dehydration and weight loss
- Aircraft for sale (1958 TriPacer)
Events & Activities
- VOYAGER Crew Reception – Saturday, April 18, 1987, 4:00 p.m., Turbo West Hangar, Jeffco Airport – Film and slide show presentation by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager
- CPA Fly-In to Santa Fe – June 5-7, 1987 – Associated with USPA Annual Meeting
- Dick Rutan Flight to Mohave – April 19, 1987 – Flight from Jeffco to Mohave with volunteer CPA member Evan Slack
Member News
- Evan Slack – CPA member and professional general aviation pilot who volunteered to fly with Dick Rutan in a pressurized Beech Baron from Jeffco to Mohave; logs over 250 hours annually in his Mooney 231
- Terryl Lofgren – Boulder-area hot air ballooning enthusiast who also volunteered to fly with Dick Rutan to Mohave
- John Warrender – CPA member and Chief Pilot for Monford, featured in reception coverage
- Frank and Vanita Gallo’s Skylane N8392S – Featured on newsletter cover photo over Corona Pass
