August 2014 Flight Lines Summary: The Colorado Pilots Association celebrated a month filled with diverse aviation events including backcountry fly-ins, cross-country flights, and airshows. President Ann Beardall highlighted a memorable event hosting seven WWII veterans from the 8th Air Force Historical Society who shared their combat experiences in B-17s and P-47/P-51 fighters. The newsletter emphasizes the growing engagement within Colorado’s aviation community and calls for volunteers to help organize upcoming events, particularly leadership positions for the 2015 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo.
Key Topics
- Increased attendance and quality at CPA events throughout Colorado
- WWII veteran recognition and oral history preservation
- Lockheed Martin Flight Services modernization updates including inflight PIREP submission and enhanced briefing capabilities
- Call for volunteer leadership for Fall Meet and Greet and 2015 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo
- Pilot safety reminders and aviation safety vigilance
Events & Activities
- WWII 8th Air Force Historical Society event (July 2014) – organized by CPA member Lynn Cooper, hosted at venue provided by Joe Thibodeau
- 51st Annual National Championships Air Races & Air Show – Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV, September 10-14, 2014 (CPA group attendance invited)
- Upcoming Fall Meet and Greet event planning underway
- Advanced planning for 2015 Rocky Mountain Aviation Expo
Member News
- In Memoriam: Walter Giffin of Pueblo West, Colorado, long-time CPA member, passed away July 3, 2014 in an automobile accident while traveling to Fremont County Airport (1V6). Celebration of Life held July 11, 2014 at his hangar.
