The March 2008 issue of Flight Lines highlights CPA's growing influence and commitment to aviation safety and education. President Sarah Jane Dolliver celebrates CPA's record-breaking attendance at AOPA's Pilot Town Meeting with over 550 Colorado pilots, earning praise from AOPA leadership as the largest crowd ever. The newsletter also announces CPA's partnership with CDOT's Aeronautics Division to staff a booth at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, inviting members to volunteer and represent Colorado aviation. Additionally, the organization is promoting aviation scholarships for college-bound students pursuing careers in flying, maintenance, design, and airport management.
A significant portion of the issue focuses on aviation safety, featuring a detailed analysis by DPE Drew Chitiea on the dangers of VFR flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). Using a real accident case study involving a multi-engine private pilot without instrument rating, Chitiea emphasizes how non-instrument-rated pilots can lose control in IMC within approximately 123 seconds. The article stresses the importance of proper Aeronautical Decision Making and resisting "get-home-itis." The newsletter also introduces a valuable new resource from Denver meteorologist Chris Dunn and highlights upcoming changes to Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) monitoring requirements.
Key Topics
- AOPA Pilot Town Meeting record attendance with Colorado pilots
- CPA scholarship opportunities for aviation students
- VFR flight into IMC as a critical safety hazard
- Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and risk management
- Aviation weather education and safety resources
- Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) monitoring changes
- Instrument rating importance for cross-country flights
Events & Activities
- EAA AirVenture: July 28 – August 3, 2008, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. CPA will staff a booth in partnership with CDOT's Aeronautics Division. Volunteers needed.
- AOPA Pilot Town Meeting: Recently held in Colorado with record attendance of over 550 pilots
Member News
- Chris Dunn: Denver KDVR TV Fox 31 Chief Meteorologist and 2005 AOPA Max Karant Award winner launched www.theflyingweatherman.com, a free aviation weather resource. Dunn is an instrument-rated private pilot, Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, Angel Flight mission pilot, and Civil Air Patrol member.
- CPA Scholarships: Program available for college-bound students and current college students passionate about aviation careers
