The April 2010 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Bob Kinney's account of cancelling the first fly-in of the season to Kearney, Nebraska due to forecasted severe weather conditions. Despite extensive planning for over 60 participants to witness the Sandhill Crane migration, the decision to cancel was validated when Sunday morning brought IFR conditions with 1/4 mile visibility in freezing fog. Kinney emphasizes the significant planning, coordination, and local business impacts involved in hosting fly-ins, and encourages CPA members to recognize and thank fly-in hosts for their efforts regardless of outcome. The issue also features a detailed review of Hooper Airstrip near Sand Dunes Recreation Pool, a pilot-friendly thermal pool facility in southern Colorado offering swimming, dining, and camping amenities.
Key Topics
- Weather decision-making and cancellation protocols for fly-ins
- Importance of recognizing fly-in hosts and their planning responsibilities
- AOPA Weather resources (Ceiling/Vis/SFC Wind charts) for flight planning
- New CPA logo'd t-shirts now available
- Hooper Airstrip backcountry destination review
- Sand Dunes Recreation Pool amenities and operations
- Airstrip characteristics and safe landing procedures
Events & Activities
- Cancelled fly-in to Kearney, Nebraska (originally scheduled for March 13-14, 2010) to view Sandhill Crane migration
- Sand Dunes Recreation Pool operates year-round with seasonal hours; closed first 10 days of April for maintenance
Member News
- Cathie and John Martyny's chocolate lab, Kodi, featured wearing Mutt Muffs in opening humorous piece about canine pilots
- Jim Hollis and wife Vicky visited Hooper Airstrip in January and provided detailed facility review and recommendations
