The August 2006 Flight Lines newsletter highlights the successful 30th Jackpot Air Classic competition, an annual event that challenges pilots’ flight planning skills through speed, fuel consumption, and time estimate competitions. The event drew 30 aircraft from Jeffco Airport with 20 completing the route to Jackpot, Nevada, despite early morning monsoon weather challenges near Corona Pass. CPA President Bart Jones emphasizes that the competition’s handicap system makes it accessible to pilots of all aircraft types, not just high-performance planes. The newsletter celebrates the event’s success with detailed results, an awards banquet, and social activities including a Kingston Trio show.
The competition includes three aircraft categories based on performance specifications, with winners recognized across multiple scoring categories including speed races, fuel estimate accuracy, and time estimate precision. Participants praised the excellent ramp party catering, the banquet dinner, and the opportunity to share flying stories with fellow aviators. The newsletter encourages more pilots to participate in next year’s 31st Classic, noting that additional ground space is available at Jackpot.
Key Topics
- 30th Jackpot Air Classic competition results and analysis
- Handicap-based racing system for all aircraft types
- Flight planning skills development and accuracy competitions
- Weather challenges and route planning discussions
- “Concerning Learning” program seeking pilot stories for publication
- Historical aviation archaeology research and wartime pilot experiences
Events & Activities
- 30th Jackpot Air Classic – Early August 2006; Route: Jeffco Airport to Rock Springs, Wyoming to Jackpot, Nevada; 30 aircraft registered, 20 completed; included ramp party, awards banquet, and Kingston Trio entertainment
- CPA Membership Opportunity – Free lunch/drinks with Dean Jaros for pilots to share flying stories with lessons; accepted stories receive one free year of CPA membership extension
Member News
- Aircraft Speed Class A Winners: 1st James Hollis, 2nd Bill Totten, 3rd Carl Boecher
- Aircraft Speed Class B Winners: 1st Dana Haglin, 2nd Vern Randel, 3rd Robert Venohr
- Aircraft Speed Class C Winners: 1st Walt Bell, 2nd Chris Verbil, 3rd Ernie Smith
- Fuel Estimate Competition Winners: 1st Dana Haglin, 2nd Bart Jones, 3rd Gary Miller
- Time Estimate Winners: Vern Randel (Jeffco to Rock Springs leg), Dave Burke (Rock Springs to Jackpot leg)
- Poker Run Winners: Two CPA members won cash prizes
- Walt Barbo Recognition: Columnist shares historical discovery of his 1944 P-39Q Aircobra emergency parachute incident in aviation archaeology database
