November 1987 Flight Lines features Colorado Pilots Association leadership reflecting on aviation’s evolution and the benefits of modern technology like ALOS and LLWAS weather systems. The newsletter covers the FAA Wings Program held at Burlington Airport, which recognized 24 pilots across multiple proficiency levels, and highlights a significant Congressional hearing on proposed TCA regulations hosted by CPA in cooperation with Congressman David Skaggs, drawing approximately 125 pilots to discuss impacts on general aviation.
President Don Welsh emphasizes that while new systems like radar control and flight service automation can frustrate pilots, they offer genuine safety benefits worth careful consideration. The Wings Program event demonstrated strong community involvement with 15 CFIs volunteering to certify participants and local businesses supporting the gathering, while the TCA hearing provided an important forum for pilots to voice specific concerns about proposed airspace changes directly to FAA decision-makers.
Key Topics
- Evolution of general aviation over 60 years and technological advances
- Benefits of Automated Weather Observation Systems (ALOS) and Low Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWAS)
- FAA Wings Program for pilot proficiency and continuing education
- Proposed changes to Terminal Control Areas (TCA) regulations
- Mode C altitude reporting equipment requirements
- Balance between general aviation growth and regulatory oversight
Events & Activities
- FAA Wings Program at Kit Carson/Burlington Airport (October 1987) – 24 pilots recognized across Phases I-IV
- Saturday evening dinner at Burlington Country Club
- Congressional Panel Hearing on TCA Proposals at Landing Hotel, Centennial Airport (Saturday, October 24) – attended by approximately 125 pilots
Member News
- Phase IV Wings: Bill Murphy, Colorado Springs
- Phase III Wings: Ted Schmidt and Chuck Fisher, Littleton; Bill Totten, Aurora; John Gustavson, Boulder
- Phase II Wings: Harold Picard, Idaho; Les Von Hagel, Longmont; Mike Vavrek, Albuquerque, N.M.; Ed Weber, Fort Collins; Don Boyle, Boulder
- Phase I Wings: Bill Greathouse, Walsh; Curtis Sayles, Seibert; Dallas Fields and Kanti Patel, Atwood, KS; Carmen Borders and Jim Borders, Genoa; Ron Weber and Walter Lithacum, Goodland, KS; George Oudrovich, Steamboat Springs; Bob Mitchell and Harold Mitchell, Burlington; Paul Jackson, Joes; Jim Idler, Kirk; Carl Hamit, Wallace, NE
- Dudley LeBeau spotlighted with photo of his highly modified Globe Swift aircraft near Sterling, Colorado
