Flight Lines (April 2013) covers several key issues affecting Colorado pilots, including FAA tower closures at Front Range and Rocky Mountain Metro Airports, efforts to protect backcountry airstrip access through liability legislation, and updates on new AWOS weather station installations. The newsletter highlights member achievements, welcomes new pilots, and promotes upcoming events including the CPA Mountain Flying seminar and fly-ins to popular destinations.
President Mark Brown discusses advocacy efforts at local and national levels, particularly regarding tower closures and their impact on safety and specialized operations like Young Eagle flights and the planned spaceport license. The association continues working with state legislators to resolve liability concerns for private backcountry airstrip owners, an issue nearly all mountain states have already addressed through protective legislation.
Notable member recognition includes photographer Mitch Bowers winning the PAPA (Professional Aerial Photographers Association International) Peoples Choice Award 2013, while Past President Mike Baldwin donated a 1942 Boeing Stearman to the Wings of the Rockies Air & Space Museum before relocating to Arizona.
Key Topics
- FAA tower closures and reduced staffing at Front Range, Rocky Mountain Metro, and Centennial Airports
- Backcountry/recreational airport access and landowner liability protection legislation
- New AWOS (weather) station site requests and maintenance issues
- Grand Junction Airport fence/gate security resolution efforts
- CPA scholarship opportunities and candidate nominations
- Marble, Colorado Airport land for sale
Events & Activities
- CPA Mountain Flying Seminar – Saturday, June 8, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (BJC), Broomfield, Colorado
- Hooper/Sand Dunes Pool Fly-in – Mid-March 2013, San Luis Valley (private airstrip with camping, hot tub, and meals)
- CPA Potluck – April 2013 (date not specified)
- Rocky Mountain Light Sport Aircraft Expo (mentioned as continuing despite tower closure concerns)
Member News
- Mitch Bowers – CPA member and award-winning photographer won the PAPA Peoples Choice Award 2013 for a photograph of a 1942 Boeing Stearman
- Mike Baldwin – Past President and long-time CPA member donated a 1942 Boeing Stearman to the Wings of the Rockies Air & Space Museum; relocated to Tucson, Arizona and converted to Light Sport aircraft flying
- New Members Welcomed – Orlo Ellison, Stephen Curtis, Randy Crandall, Anthony Valle, David Couch, Scott Peters, Jim Berry
