The April 2014 issue of Flight Lines highlights the successful inaugural Colorado Aviation Meet and Greet, which brought together over 100 aviation professionals and enthusiasts from across Colorado and various aviation organizations. CPA President Ann Beardall credits the CPA Board, committee members, volunteers, and supporting businesses for making the event a success. The gathering fostered networking opportunities, collaboration on creating a comprehensive state aviation calendar, and information sharing about scholarships and future events. The newsletter also celebrates member achievements, including Emily Howell Warner’s induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and Bill Hamilton’s induction into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Beyond member recognition, the issue provides important safety information on Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) as emergency communication devices for aviators, emphasizing their reliability and long battery life compared to subscription-based alternatives. The newsletter also announces operational updates, including the opening of a new Flight Deck Grill location and the cancellation of the annual Niobrara float trip.
Key Topics
- First Colorado Aviation Meet and Greet event and its success
- Development of comprehensive aviation calendar for Colorado organizations
- Safety briefing on Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for emergency situations
- Member awards and recognitions
- Flight Deck Grill expansion to Vance Brand Airport
Events & Activities
- Colorado Aviation Meet and Greet – Inaugural successful event held at Joe Thibodeau’s hangars near Denver, attended by over 100 aviation professionals from across Colorado
- Flight Deck Grill Opening – New restaurant location opening at Vance Brand Airport on April 19, 2014
- Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – April 24, 2014, at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma
- Niobrara Float Trip – Cancelled for 2014 due to scheduling conflicts
- Next Meet and Greet – Planned for October/November timeframe
Member News
- Emily Howell Warner – CPA member inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame as one of six aviators joining in 2014; recognized for breaking barriers for women pilots and flying for Frontier Airlines in the 1970s
- Bill Hamilton – CPA member and former AOPA Regional Representative inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame; recognized for distinguished career in journalism, military service, aviation writing, and co-authorship of spy novels
