The January 2011 issue of Flight Lines focuses on membership trends and retention within the Colorado Pilots Association. CPA President Walt Barbo discusses the national decline in active pilots from over 827,000 in the early 1980s to less than 600,000 today, attributing this to the end of the GI Bill, rising aircraft operating costs, and an aging pilot population. While CPA maintains relatively stable membership at over 700 members—adding about 100 new members annually while losing approximately 100—the organization is implementing new initiatives to enhance member value and engagement.
Key initiatives include the launch of a membership benefits program offering fuel discounts from FBOs and other services, with members receiving a Benefit Card for purchases. The organization is also updating its roster for 2012 and encouraging members to verify their personal information. Additionally, new Flight Safety Coordinator Megan Sayre is introducing CPA members to the FAASafety.gov website and FAA Safety Team resources to promote aviation safety education.
Key Topics
- Decline in national pilot population and causes (GI Bill phase-out, high costs, aging pilots)
- CPA membership trends and retention challenges
- New membership benefits program with FBO fuel discounts
- 2011 Roster compilation and member information updates
- FAASafety.gov website and FAA Safety Team resources
- Colorado aviation infrastructure updates (runway improvements at Del Norte and Rifle)
- Wide Area Multilateral (WAM) radar coverage expansion on Western Slope
- 2011 as U.S. Centennial of Women in Aviation (Harriet Quimby)
Events & Activities
- 2011 Roster to be compiled, printed, and mailed with March newsletter
- Presentations planned for Colorado Aeronautics Board meeting on January 15
- FAASafety.gov seminar sign-up instructions to follow in next Flight Lines issue
Member News
- Megan Sayre named new Flight Safety Coordinator for CPA
- Jerry Kelly heading membership benefits program with secured commitments from at least two FBOs for fuel discounts
- Bill Payne (CPA member and engineering consultant) working on Phase 2 of Wide Area Multilateral radar coverage for Western Slope airports
