The January 2021 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Marty Brophy's optimistic message about moving forward in 2021 after a challenging 2020, encouraging members to continue flying and take advantage of winter conditions. The newsletter highlights the resumption of CPA scholarships and announces ongoing efforts to increase membership value. A major feature article by Bill Marvel describes the creation of the "Lunch Bunch," a western slope flying initiative modeled after Walt Bell's existing fly-in breakfast/lunch email list, designed to encourage more frequent flying and build community among local pilots and aircraft owners in the Grand Junction area.
Marvel's Lunch Bunch program has grown to 47 participants and includes a detailed organizational structure with spreadsheets tracking member information, instructor ratings, and aircraft details. The initiative identifies 22 potential airport destinations across western Colorado and Utah, with careful coordination of local FBO contacts, restaurant options, and courtesy car availability. The philosophy emphasizes making positive impressions on host communities by supporting local businesses and airports.
Key Topics
- CPA President's message and 2021 outlook for general aviation recovery
- Resumption of CPA scholarships for student pilots and prospective CFIs
- Monthly Zoom board meetings held first Monday at 6:30 p.m., open to all members
- Call for CPA member volunteers to support the organization
- Creation and expansion of the "Lunch Bunch" fly-in program on Colorado's western slope
- Community building and networking among local pilots and aircraft owners
- Airport coordination and FBO relationship development
Events & Activities
- CPA Board Meetings: First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (January through November)
- Lunch Bunch fly-ins: Weekly Tuesday announcements for weekend destinations at various Colorado and Utah airports including Nucla, Meeker, Rifle, and Price, UT
- Multiple breakfast and lunch fly-in events held at various western slope locations
Member News
- Bill Marvel initiated the "Lunch Bunch" program, leveraging inspiration from CPA member Walt Bell's existing fly-in email list concept
- Roy and Susan Erb recognized as active Lunch Bunch participants, pictured at Rifle's Shooter's Grill event
- Walt Bell credited as originator of the weekly fly-in destination email list that inspired the western slope initiative
