The December 2002 issue of Flight Lines reflects on a year of flying achievements and safety concerns for the Colorado Pilots Association. President Eric Jensen highlights the successful fly-in season featuring a memorable trip to Socorro, NM for the Festival of the Cranes, where four CPA airplanes participated. Jensen also emphasizes the importance of pilot responsibility, referencing AOPA President Phil Boyer’s Denver Pilot Town Meeting presentation and the critical need to avoid Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), noting that repeated violations around restricted areas like Camp David and Crawford are damaging aviation’s image in Washington. The newsletter addresses serious safety concerns, with Jensen noting the loss of three CPA members in the past year and another member involved in a fatal crash, calling for improved safety practices across the community.
The issue includes recognition of outgoing President Walt Barbo for his year of service and highlights the airmarking project at Fort Collins-Loveland Airport, where 26 volunteers from CPA and the Ninety-Nines painted a new compass rose. This article by Dean Jaros provides historical context on airmarking as a critical navigation tool from aviation’s early days, explaining how these ground markers helped pilots navigate in the VFR era before electronic navaids made them less essential.
Key Topics
- Pilot safety and fatality prevention
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and pilot responsibility
- AOPA President Phil Boyer’s Denver Pilot Town Meeting
- Airport Watch security program launch
- Historical airmarking in American aviation
- Compass rose painting project at Fort Collins-Loveland Airport
- Club membership and community awareness
Events & Activities
- Socorro, NM fly-in for Festival of the Cranes (Friday departure with four aircraft)
- AOPA Pilot Town Meeting – Denver – November 14, 2002 (500+ pilots attended)
- Compass rose painting project – Fort Collins-Loveland Airport – November 9, 2002 (26 volunteers)
- CPA Annual Holiday Party (featuring special recognition for outgoing President Walt Barbo)
Member News
- Walt Barbo: Recognized for his service as CPA President during the Annual Holiday Party; visited Palm Springs Aviation Museum at AOPA Convention in October 2002 with wife Terry
- Eric Jensen: Current CPA President; introduced AOPA President Phil Boyer at Denver Pilot Town Meeting
- Dean Jaros: Authored article on airmarking history and participated in compass rose painting project
