Volume 19, No. 10 – October 2002
The October 2002 issue of Flight Lines highlights the Colorado Pilots Association's efforts to promote aviation access and backcountry airstrip usage across Colorado and the region. President Walt Barbo discusses New Mexico's successful "Fly New Mexico" web initiative and calls for similar promotional efforts in Colorado. The newsletter features coverage of the successful September Marble fly-in, which drew over 34 aircraft and demonstrated safe operations at backcountry airstrips to legislators and officials.
Key advocacy efforts are underway to reopen the Arboles Airstrip on Navajo Reservoir, which was closed in May 2001 by state park management. Despite passage of SB-105 providing liability immunity for backcountry airstrips in parks, park officials have remained resistant. The aviation community has appealed to Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Senator Wayne Allard for intervention, while also recognizing that reopening the airstrip may require ongoing community maintenance and revenue-generating activity support.
Key Topics
- New Mexico aviation promotion and web resources as a model for Colorado
- Advocacy campaign to reopen Arboles Airstrip on Navajo Reservoir
- SB-105 liability immunity legislation for backcountry airstrips
- Successful Marble airstrip fly-in demonstrating community commitment
- New Mexico's $1 million investment in Navajo Lake State Park Airport
- Flying considerations at high-elevation airstrips (Telluride)
Events & Activities
- Marble Fly-In – September 21-22, 2002; over 34 aircraft participated in camping, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing near Marble and Redstone, Colorado
- Fall Colors Fly-In at Telluride Airport – September 28-29, 2002
- Arboles Airstrip Discussion Meeting – September 25, 2002 with Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Parks Division officials
Member News
- Ed & Barbara Huber – Featured photo departing Marble airstrip in their AI-6; Ed's T-6 with R-985 engine noted for distinctive sound during fly-in
- Bob Conger – Owner of private Marble airstrip; Maule pilot from earlier years; gracious host for September fly-in
- Mary K. Jones – Collecting photographs from Marble fly-in attendees to create a photo album as appreciation gift for Bob and Patty Conger
