The February 2003 issue of Flight Lines features President Eric Jensen’s account of winter flying challenges and flexibility required for non-turbocharged aircraft operations in Colorado. Jensen recounts a Christmas Eve trip to California, emphasizing the importance of weather planning and the unexpected IMC encounter near Cajon Pass. The newsletter highlights CPA’s efforts to increase visibility and membership, currently at 690 members, with plans to recruit new members and mentor student pilots. A comprehensive fly-in schedule is planned throughout the year, and the organization is working to enhance communication through website improvements including a message board.
Bill Marshall provides detailed technical guidance on calculating best rate of climb (Vy) for Colorado mountain flying, explaining how POH values change with altitude and aircraft weight. He recommends a practical rule of subtracting 10 mph/knots from sea-level POH Vy values when flying at 10,000-13,000 feet in Colorado conditions. Walt Barbo’s column emphasizes the value of AOPA membership and general aviation advocacy in the post-9/11 environment, noting the disparity between AOPA’s 10,087 Colorado members and CPA’s approximately 700 members.
Key Topics
- Winter flying and pre-heater usage for non-hangar aircraft
- Weather planning and VFR night flight cautions
- AOPA advocacy and Airport Watch program support
- CPA membership growth initiatives and member recruitment
- Student pilot mentoring and training
- Best rate of climb (Vy) calculations for high-altitude Colorado flying
- Aircraft performance at altitude and reduced weight
- General aviation advocacy in post-9/11 environment
Events & Activities
- April 12-13: Fly-in to Minden, NB
- April 26: Fly-in to Bent’s Fort, CO
- May 2-4: Fly-in to Albuquerque, NM
- May 17: Fly-in to Pueblo, CO
- June 7-8: Fly-in to Omaha, NB
- July 3-6: Fly-in to Missouri-Ozarks area
- August 22-24: Fly-in to Glacier National Park
- September 20-21: Fly-in to Pagosa Springs, CO
- October 11-12: Fly-in to Cortez, CO
- November 1-3: Fly-in to Death Valley, CA
- Impromptu weekend flights, including recent lunch flight to Goodland, KS
- January board meeting discussing CPA visibility and marketing initiatives
Member News
- Mark: Student pilot mentored by President Eric Jensen; completed night dual cross-country training and expected to take practical exam within couple of months
- Bart Jones: Featured in photo setting up pre-heater for winter flying to ski areas
