The September 2017 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Gary Tobey's call to action regarding multiple aviation activities throughout the month and an urgent advocacy campaign against the privatization of Air Traffic Control. The newsletter highlights the importance of contacting Colorado's seven congresspersons to oppose HR 2997 (the 21st Century AIRR Act), which would transfer control of air traffic services to airlines and severely impact general aviation. Additionally, the issue covers a successful trip to Camp Guernsey, Wyoming during the solar eclipse, where 40 aircraft gathered at a remote Air National Guard base for an unexpected aviation adventure.
Contributing author Jamie Beckett explores the irony of public perception regarding aviation safety, contrasting the widespread acceptance of risky carnival rides with public fear of general aviation flights—despite the latter's rigorous safety protocols, pilot training requirements, and aircraft maintenance standards. The article questions how the aviation community can better educate the public about aviation's actual safety record and its daily benefits to society.
Key Topics
- Opposition to HR 2997 (21st Century AIRR Act) and Air Traffic Control privatization
- Advocacy campaign: contacting Congress members about aviation concerns
- September aviation activities and events calendar
- Camp Guernsey trip during solar eclipse
- Public perception and safety misconceptions about general aviation
- CPA merchandise and membership support
- Volunteer opportunities and officer elections
Events & Activities
- September 2: Wild West Air Fest, Steamboat Springs Airport (KSBS), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- September 8-9: AOPA Fly-In to Norman, Oklahoma (KOUN)
- September 9: Colorado Ninety-Nines' Poker Run in the Denver Metro Area
- September 16: Fremont County Airshow, Fly-in, and Pancake Breakfast (1V6)
- September 23: Girls in Aviation Day, Women in Aviation, RM Metro (KBJC), 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- September 23: Flight 217 Rescue book presentation, Wings Over the Rockies, 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- September 23-24: Pikes Peak Regional Airshow, Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS)
- Camp Guernsey Eclipse Trip: Guernsey, WY (KGUR) - 40 aircraft participated during solar eclipse event
Member News
- CPA joining approximately 130 other general aviation organizations in opposing Air Traffic Control privatization
- New CPA polo shirts and caps available through Land's End at business.landsend.com/colorado_pilots_association
- Nomination process open for new officers; contact Bart Jones, Nominating Committee Chair, at 719-488-0653 or [email protected]
- Annual Meeting scheduled for November with officer elections
