2026 Fly-In Preview
The 2026 season, and a word from the committee.
From the Fly-In Committee
Sorry, but we’ve already closed out the 2026 Fly-in Season!
No, it’s not New Years yet but we’ve said adios to all ten of the CPA’s successful 2026 Fly-ins and you don’t see any remaining events below because they’re all history! 2026 sent our members to locations in Arizona, Kansas, Tennessee, Nebraska and to four destinations right here in Colorado. We saw everything from race cars to musical instruments to prop overhaul and jet engine shops to nationally historic sites to a national park to incredible scenery to fantastic food to a spider parade (!) to visiting the factory which is building a new aircraft you can afford. In short, it was another year of flying adventures for all pilot experience levels and included a wide variety of activities and destinations.
But worry not because more are heading toward you next year!
On January 9, 2027, we’ll convene at 8:30 in the upstairs meeting room in the terminal building at BJC. There we’ll reveal our events and hosts for the 2027 flying season, which normally runs from April through October, Mother Nature permitting. Just so you know, it isn’t some select group of “insiders” who plan these – no way. It’s anyone who wants to host one. In fact, we frequently have one or two members step up each year as first-time hosts and they do a wonderful job. That January meeting is exciting not only because the flying year literally unfolds right in front of us but also because by plan, no one knows in advance what the destinations or activities will be. ALL members are both welcome and encouraged to attend. Plus, there’s free food!
Stay in touch both right here on the CPA web site and in the Flight Lines newsletter. The schedule of next year’s events will appear in the February 1 issue of Flight Lines and on the website at the same time.
And if you’re not a CPA member, what are you waiting for? Toss $30 into the pot and join us. Flying in, over and around the mountains of pristine Colorado with fellow members, often toward distant destinations, is one of the most satisfying things you can do in aviation. Aside from friendly members, we have deserts, mountains, forests, canyons, prairies and even great beer! Why on Earth would you fly airplanes or have an interest in aviation and not be a member?
Bill Marvel, Fly-In Committee Chairman
April 10–11: Phoenix, AZ (KFFZ)
Temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. Activities include the Musical Instrument Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, and Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Exploratory time in Old Scottsdale, dinner at El Encanto de La Fuente, and a wildly popular CPA cocktail party/dinner hosted by Dr. Jane and Jason Barlow LT Col USAF (Ret.) at their beautiful home in Desert Highlands. Hosts: Vince & Kay Otto (contact the fly-in host)
April 25: Akron, CO (KAKO)
Tour Redline Propeller at the Akron airport to learn about propeller blade repair and constant speed propellers and governors. Lunch provided. The runway is 7,000 feet long with elevation of 4,700 feet. Host: Frank Niehus (contact the fly-in host)
May 2–3: Abilene, KS (K78)
Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library, childhood home of President Dwight Eisenhower. Stay at Holiday Inn Express. Activities include happy hour, dinner, and a potential visit to the regional Russell Stover Candy Company & store. Host: Bob Kinney (contact the fly-in host)
May 20–23: Memphis, TN (M01)
Welcome to the town known for Elvis and BBQ! Activities include Gus's World-Famous Fried Chicken, Peabody Hotel (to see mallard ducks), National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, self-guided tours of other museums (Blues Hall of Fame, Sun Studios), and Graceland with self-guided tours including at least two of Elvis' private jets. Multiple BBQ restaurants and BB Kings venue. Hosts: Bret Heidcamp and Loree Schwartz (contact the fly-in host)
June 17–19: Grand Canyon, AZ (KGCN)
First CPA trip to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, a mile deep canyon unmatched in the incomparable vistas. Flying distance: 409 nm southwest of KAPA, elevation 6,609 feet with 9,000-foot runway. Visit Historic District and Desert View Drive. Red Feather Lodge: $185/night. Host: Jan McKenzie (contact the fly-in host)
July 9–12: Lincoln, NE (KLNK)
First CPA trip to Lincoln! Three-night adventure includes Duncan Aviation, the world's largest private business jet service provider, Strategic Air Command (SAC) museum, and Museum of American Speed. Nebraska's largest candy store visit with free Kool-Aid. Group dinner at Show Stoppers featuring entertainment. SAC Museum includes a B-36 ten-engine bomber, one of only four still in existence. Museum of American Speed displays over 600 engines and 300 vehicles ranging from toy cars to go-karts to Indy racers, concept cars, jet cars and even motorcycles. Duncan offers corporate rates. Host: Bill Marvel (contact the fly-in host)
August 21–23: Sedona, AZ (KSEZ)
America's Most Scenic Airport, perched on Tabletop Mesa 500 feet above the City of Sedona. Landing there is surely on every pilot's bucket list. Private trolley tour through Red Rock canyons to Chapel of The Holy Cross. Verde Canyon Railroad tour in private rail car with charcuterie board and sipping champagne while viewing ancient Sinagua dwellings, Indian ruins and historic mining sites. Downtown exploration and group dinner at Airport Mesa Grill. Hosts: Bret Heidcamp and Loree Schwartz (contact the fly-in host)
September 25–26: La Junta, CO (KLHX)
CPA's first Wildlife Safari and visit to La Junta's Tarantula Fest! Featured in National Geographic and national TV, this weekend features tarantula migration across Colorado's southeastern grasslands. Safari bus tours with stops for close viewing, expert biologist sessions, Tarantula Parade, spider-themed Classic Car Show, Arachnophobia movie screening, Arts Fair, Hairy Leg Contest, and Eight Legged Races. Hampton Inn special CPA rate: $129 + tax per night with free breakfast. Host: Brett Pomainville (contact the fly-in host)
October 2–4: Nucla, CO (KAIB)
Come visit us to enjoy the charm of small-town Colorado and our scenic canyon and mountain surroundings. Flight over nearby Telluride, stay in beautiful B&B with group dinner on outdoor patio. Mesa-top airport with 360-degree views and one of the nicest terminals of any small airport. Learn about the 1776 Domínguez–Escalante Expedition led by two Franciscan priests from Santa Fe covering nearly 2,000 miles in about 5 months. The route later became the Old Spanish Trail. Host: Aimee Tooker (contact the fly-in host)
October 10: Grand Junction, CO (KGJT)
Tour Spirit Engineering factory manufacturing the SE-1 single seat S-LSA aircraft. Totally clean sheet design, including the engine and folding wings, this all-aluminum aircraft cruises at 100 mph at two gallons an hour with a service ceiling of 17,500 feet on only 42 horsepower. Price: $69,500 with ASTM certification. Factory owner Steve Wood will conduct facility tours. Host: Bill Marvel (contact the fly-in host)