The February 2026 Colorado Pilots Association newsletter focuses on safety, growth, advocacy, and community strengthening. President Andy Holmes outlines ambitious 2026 goals including reaching 800 active members, adding 12 new corporate members, and increasing student pilot memberships by 40. The association plans 10 fly-in events and at least 10 additional activities including hangar BBQs, tower tours, and TRACON visits. Key advocacy priorities include combating incompatible land use development near airports, addressing airport rate concerns, and engaging with the Colorado Legislature on aviation matters.
CPA is actively tracking significant issues affecting general aviation, including the Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA) to prevent misuse of ADS-B data for fee collection, and the FAA’s Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline with public comments due by March 13, 2026. The organization emphasizes the importance of member involvement in advocacy efforts and legislative engagement to protect Colorado’s aviation community.
Key Topics
- Membership growth goals (800 active members, 12 new corporate members, 40 new student pilots)
- Safety and advocacy initiatives
- Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (H.R. 4146 and S. 2175) engagement
- FAA Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline (public comment period through March 13, 2026)
- Land use development conflicts near airports
- Airport rate and access concerns
- Airspace and obstruction safety issues
- New student pilot outreach program
- Enhanced communication and social media engagement
Events & Activities
- 10 planned fly-in events throughout 2026
- 10+ additional activities including Annual Hangar BBQ, Holiday Dinner, Tower Tours, Avionics Shop Talk, TRACON tours, and Denver Center Tours
- CPA 2026 Scholarship Program application deadline: February 15, 2026
- FAA Unleaded Aviation Gasoline public comment deadline: March 13, 2026
- Newsletter submission deadline for March 2026 issue: February 20, 2026
Member News
- Walt and Terry Barbo PPL Scholarship: Available to Colorado students aged 16-22 pursuing Private Pilot Certificate
- Emily Howell Warner Scholarship: Supports female pilots with Private Pilot certificates or higher pursuing Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, or Multi-Engine Ratings
- Call for AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers across Colorado; contact Keith Serkes (Backcountry Committee Chair) at [email protected] to volunteer at one of 22+ airports listed in need
