The April 2017 issue of Flight Lines opens with an April Fools’ section featuring humorous “breaking news” about major aviation changes, followed by substantive content from CPA President Gary Tobey emphasizing spring flying season and highlighting upcoming opportunities. Key focus areas include the FAA’s Denver Metroplex project affecting Front Range airspace, the implementation of BasicMed medical reform effective May 1, 2017, and ongoing efforts to establish Colorado’s first seaplane base at Lake Meredith and overturn the state’s prohibition on seaplanes.
The newsletter covers important airspace concerns, particularly the proposed descent of corporate turbojets through training and recreational flying areas near Longmont, Boulder, and Rocky Mountain, with the FAA agreeing to review keeping these aircraft at higher altitudes. President Tobey encourages members to attend FAA Metroplex workshops throughout April and early May, and reminds pilots of the learning curve associated with BasicMed implementation. The issue also promotes CPA fly-ins and encourages member participation in the organization’s activities.
Key Topics
- BasicMed Implementation – Third Class Medical Reform effective May 1, 2017
- Denver Metroplex Project – NextGen ATC modernization with new SIDS and STARS routes affecting Front Range airspace
- Airspace Concerns – Corporate turbojets descending through training areas; FAA reviewing altitude adjustments
- Seaplane Base Development – First Colorado designated seaplane base at Lake Meredith; legislative efforts to overturn state seaplane prohibition
- Spring Flying Season – Encouragement for renewed flying activity and club participation
Events & Activities
- April 15 – Lunch fly-in to Pueblo and the Weisbrod Museum with President Tobey’s Vietnam combat stories
- April 3 and April 17 (weeks of) – Eight FAA Denver Metroplex workshops across Front Range
- Week of May 1 – Four additional FAA Metroplex workshops
- May 20-21, 2017 – CPA Fly-in to Sedona, Arizona (KSEZ); activities include hiking, scenic drives, Happy Hour, and dinner at Holiday Inn Express
- February 23, 2017 (past) – Baja California fly-in to Loreto with whale viewing activities
Member News
- Ray Hawkins – Leading efforts with Seaplane Pilots Association to establish Colorado’s first designated seaplane base at Lake Meredith
- Walter Bell – CPA Airspace Monitor attending Metroplex meetings and evaluating plans
- Baja California Fly-in Participants – Jeff Cain, Janet Dean, Mary and Ray Sorenson, Mark Greksa and party, and Rich and Dana Barclay enjoyed beach walking, local cuisine, and whale viewing at Hotel Loreto Bay
