The November 2017 issue of Flight Lines focuses on leadership transitions, advocacy against ATC privatization, and celebrating general aviation's achievements. CPA welcomed new leadership with Bart Jones as incoming President and Rich Barclay as Vice-President, while emphasizing the organization's continued fight against the 21st Century AIRR Act (HR 2997) that would privatize Air Traffic Control to the detriment of general aviation. The newsletter highlighted a successful CPA fly-in to witness the total solar eclipse in Alliance, Nebraska, and addressed growing concerns about the declining average age of pilots nationwide.
Key Topics
- Leadership Changes: New officers elected including Bart Jones (President) and Rich Barclay (Vice-President); Cindy Jewell continues as Treasurer and Chuck Stout as Recorder
- ATC Privatization Opposition: Urgent call to oppose HR 2997 and Congressman Shuster's privatization efforts through contact with Colorado's seven representatives
- NOTAM Updates: FAA resources and information about the nearly 2 million NOTAMs created in 2016
- Drone Integration: UAS Integration Pilot Program details for safe unmanned aircraft integration into national airspace
- General Aviation Decline: Concerns about aging pilot population with average age at 49 years nationwide
Events & Activities
- CPA Annual Meeting: November 4, 2017 – Leadership election and organizational updates
- Solar Eclipse Fly-In: August 21, 2017 at KAIA (Alliance, Nebraska) – Over 50 CPA aircraft participated in viewing the total solar eclipse; event included temporary FAA tower operations and hospitality from Heartland Aviation and the city of Alliance
Member News
- Eclipse Event Coverage: Marty Brophy documented the successful CPA fly-in to Alliance, Nebraska, describing it as a memorable experience with optimal viewing conditions and seamless operations despite high traffic volume
- General Aviation Concerns: Rose Marie Kern addressed the future of general aviation, noting declining participation rates and exploring reasons behind the trend
