News / Articles

Afton Sky Ranches has received FAA approval for through-the-gate access to the publicly owned, public-use facility’s 7,025-foot-long runway.

The Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics is pleased to announce the results of the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study (CEIS). This comprehensive study aims to quantify the economic contributions of airports across the state, updating the previous analysis conducted in 2020.

The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative is a joint federal government/industry initiative to transition the general aviation industry to a safe, fleet-wide unleaded avgas.

A study released today supports the claim that general aviation is a vibrant contributor to the national economy, providing jobs and boosting U.S. economic output. Eight general aviation advocacy groups sponsored the study, which was conducted by PwC US Tax LLP. It calculated GA’s contributions at 1,330,200 jobs and $339.2 billion to the total U.S. economic output.

According to a study commissioned by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), general aviation (GA) contributed $339.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023 while supporting 1.3 million jobs across the nation. The group said the comprehensive analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the report, “Contribution of General Aviation to the US Economy in 2023,” demonstrates the sector’s economic reach across all 50 states.

SPRINGFIELD, Colo. — Dr. Charles Frankum said he is “just a physician like any other,” aside from the fact that his daily four-hour commute includes piloting himself between some of Colorado and Kansas’ most remote hospitals.

On January 24, 2025, members of the Black Forest Soaring Society (BFSS) conducted what are believed to be the first glider aerotows in Colorado using a tow plane powered by unleaded UL94 aviation gasoline (avgas). The historic flights took place at Kelly Airpark, a privately owned airfield near Elbert, Colorado, built exclusively for resident aviators. BFSS is testing the use of UL94 after their long-time fuel supplier announced last year that it would no longer provide 100 low lead (100LL) aviation fuel.

his year's report showcases the outstanding success of the Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant Program and the Colorado Aviation Fund, marking one of the most impactful years in the Division's history.

The Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Division of Aeronautics is proud to announce the allocation of $13.8 million in funding through the 2025 Colorado Discretionary Aviation Grant (CDAG) Program. These awards will support critical infrastructure improvements, enhance safety, and promote environmental sustainability at airports across the state.

Please find a copy of our 2024 Division of Aeronautics Annual Report

What initially began as complaints about airport noise suddenly has become a pitched battle over saving one of Boulder’s most valuable transportation, public safety, scientific research and economic vitality resources … all in pursuit of a red herring.

Brad Walker, a longtime pilot at Jefferson County, Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Municipal Airport (KBJC; also known as “Jeffco”), has actively challenged efforts by homeowners to sue the county over noise and lead pollution associated with the airport. Most recently, he filed a request under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) statute (similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act) to acquire a noise study commissioned by his hometown of Superior, Colorado, which abuts the airport property. His request had been denied, based on attorney-client privilege, but Walker recently acquired a copy of the report and shared it with AVweb.

Notwithstanding the lack of detectable lead in air and surface samples taken in three Colorado communities near Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in 2023 (findings that came to light only after pilots obtained the reports via freedom of information requests), the legislature is now considering a nakedly anti-aviation bill that AOPA will vigorously oppose.

A series of studies commissioned by the town of Superior, Colorado, found virtually no evidence of airborne and surface lead contamination in three towns nearby Jefferson County’s Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (KBJC – also known as Jeffco Airport). But it took a Freedom of Information request to bring the test results to light. In all but one case, the levels found at the sites were too low to register. Air and surface swab samples were taken from indoor and outdoor locations in Superior, Louisville, and Lafayette, Colorado, between May and November last year.

Denver, Colo. – The Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) and Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) released the following statement welcoming the findings of no lead contamination in communities near Rocky Mountain Metro Airport, and reaffirming the commitment of the aviation industry to safely replace leaded aviation gas by 2030:

The FAA recently updated its ADS-B Privacy International Civil Aviation Organization Address program, also known as PIA, with changes designed to streamline the process for pilots to opt out of real-time ADS-B flight tracking.