Flight Lines November 2020 covers the Colorado Pilots Association's response to a historically challenging fire season, safety improvements in general aviation, and the transition to virtual meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The newsletter highlights the organization's commitment to aviation safety, legislative advocacy, and member education. Key updates include the successful virtual Annual Meeting held via Zoom, election of officers, and recognition of scholarship recipients, along with discussions on accident rate trends and resources for pilots to maintain proficiency during pandemic-related flight restrictions.
President Marty Brophy reflects on five years since his private pilot checkride and shares encouraging news from the AOPA Air Safety Institute showing decreased accident rates, while reminding members to stay current and fly safely. The newsletter also thanks firefighters and tanker crews for their work during Colorado's worst fire season on record, and announces that the traditional holiday party will not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Key Topics
- General aviation accident rate trends and safety data from AOPA
- Impact of COVID-19 on CPA activities and transition to virtual meetings
- 2020 bylaw amendments and officer elections
- Colorado wildfire season and smoky skies conditions
- Legislative outlook for 2021 at state and federal levels
- Safety resources including YouTube, podcasts, and webinars for pilot proficiency
- Colorado Division of Aeronautics partnership and Aeronautics 101 video
Events & Activities
- November 7, 2020 – CPA 2020 Annual Meeting held virtually via Zoom (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.) with over 35 attendees
- December 7, 2020 – Next CPA meeting at 6:30 MST featuring presentation by Chris Palmer, founder and CEO of Angle of Attack YouTube channel, coordinated by Safety Rep Mike Koscielniak
- Cancelled – December holiday party due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Laura Herrmann presentation on bush flying in Alaska and "Tundra Tires Rule" (counts for WINGS credit)
Member News
- Officers Elected/Reelected: Martin Brophy (President), Cindy Jewell (Treasurer), Laurie Garrett (Recorder), and Joanne Brown (Vice-President, replacing Bart Jones)
- 2020 Scholarship Winners: Kyle Shaffer, Tammy Raines, and Brittany Stratton attended the Annual Meeting
- Laura Herrmann – FAA Safety Team Rep, presented on bush flying adventures in Alaska with focus on tundra tire operations
