The June 2004 issue of Flight Lines focuses on the Colorado Pilots Association's efforts to preserve backcountry airstrips and highlights successful CPA fly-in events. President John Martyny's message emphasizes the alarming rate at which backcountry airstrips are being closed by the U.S. Forest Service, particularly in Idaho and Montana, and calls on all members to support preservation efforts. He recounts his own transformative experiences flying into backcountry strips in Idaho and urges pilots to band together regardless of whether they personally use such airstrips, noting that Arbolis Airport near Navajo Reservoir exemplifies how difficult it is to reopen closed airports.
The newsletter reports on two successful CPA fly-in events: a trip to the Space Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas on April 17th with 38 members in 15 aircraft, and the Canon City Blossom Festival fly-in which attracted 60 members. Both events featured well-organized activities, welcoming FBO services, and special attractions including an IMAX presentation and a chartered Royal Gorge train excursion for lunch.
Key Topics
- Backcountry airstrip preservation and closures by U.S. Forest Service
- Advocacy efforts by Idaho Pilots Association and Montana Pilots Association
- CPA initiatives to identify and reopen Colorado backcountry airstrips
- Importance of pilot unity in protecting aviation access
- Airport closure case study: Arbolis Airport at Navajo Reservoir
- Brazil's historical contributions to aeronautics (trivia factoid)
Events & Activities
- Space Museum Fly-in – Hutchinson, Kansas: April 17, 2004; 38 members in 15 aircraft; included IMAX presentation "To Fly," museum tours featuring SR-71 Blackbird and Soviet spacecraft collection, planetarium show on Mars exploration, Happy Hour at Wells Aviation FBO, and dinner at local steakhouse
- Canon City Blossom Festival Fly-in: 60 CPA members and guests; featured EAA Chapter 808 Pancake Breakfast, safety lecture by Vern Foster and Bill Marshall, chartered bus and van transportation to 66th Annual Canon City Blossom Festival craft fair, and Royal Gorge chartered train lunch with dining car experience and Arkansas River scenic views
Member News
- Special Recognition: Bob and Carolyn Doubek credited for organizing the Canon City fly-in and getting "our 2004 flyin season off to a roaring start"
- Event Coordinators: Sarah Dolliver and Bill Linenberger coordinated the Hutchinson trip with local Chamber of Commerce and welcome arrangements
- Safety Presenters: Vern Foster and Bill Marshall conducted safety lecture at Canon City event
