June 2025 Flight Lines focuses on critical threats to general aviation in Colorado, particularly the emerging practice of landing fees at smaller airports. CPA President Adrian Nye warns that companies like Vector Airport Systems are automating landing fee collection at airports including Durango, Rifle, Aspen, and Colorado Springs—a trend that could compromise safety by discouraging practice landings and turning off ADS-B, while reducing airport revenue from fuel sales and tourism. CPA has joined AOPA in opposing landing fees at Longmont (KLMO) and is mobilizing members to fight this nationwide trend.
The newsletter highlights the organization's commitment to member safety and education through its renowned Mountain Flying & High-Elevation Airport Operations Course (with sessions June 21, August 16, and September 27) and the launch of a new Flight Lines podcast for on-the-go members. Additionally, CPA features its scholarship program winners and promotes STEMFlights, a nonprofit connecting student pilots with mentor pilots for STEM career exploration.
Key Topics
- Landing fees at Colorado airports and nationwide threat to GA
- Automated landing fee collection technology (Vector Airport Systems)
- Safety implications of landing fees on pilot behavior and ADS-B usage
- CPA opposition efforts and AOPA collaboration
- Mountain Flying safety training course
- STEMFlights youth aviation outreach program
- CPA Flight Lines podcast launch
- Membership directory privacy policy changes (opt-in system)
- State airport funding ($4.5 million CAB approval)
Events & Activities
- Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable – Wednesday, June 4, 1830-2030, Englewood, CO (webinar option)
- Denver ARTCC Tour – Thursday, June 5, 1300-1700, Longmont, CO (capacity reached; July 30 alternative available)
- Greeley-Weld County Fly-In – Saturday, June 7, 0700-1400, Greeley (KGXY) – Pancake breakfast, kids activities, warbirds display
- Boulder Airport Day – Saturday, June 7, 0800-1500, Boulder (KBDU) – Pancake breakfast and burger lunch
- Jefferson County Airport Advisory Board Meeting – Wednesday, June 11, 1700-1800, Broomfield, CO
- Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Meeting – Thursday, June 12, 1500-1700, Englewood, CO
- Jeffco Aviation Association Fly-In – Saturday, June 14, 0700-1200, Rocky Mountain Metro (KBJC) – Pancake breakfast, aircraft judging, trophies
- CPA Presents: STEMFlights – June (date/time not specified) – Speaker: Brigadier General Dave Brubaker (Ret.)
- Mountain Flying & High-Elevation Airport Operations Course – June 21, August 16, September 27
Member News
- 2025 Scholarship Winners Announced – CPA announced scholarship award recipients
- Member Spotlight: Chris Woods – Featured with his 2011 CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS
