Flight Lines from January 2022 features CPA President Marty Brophy’s column addressing winter flying challenges, particularly wind shear and turbulence affecting northern Colorado, alongside a detailed safety analysis by Bill Marvel examining two fatal Bonanza accidents near Telluride and Aspen. Both accidents resulted from pilots attempting to climb over rising terrain while in low-energy flight states—a critical lesson in mountain flying that Marvel illustrates through principles of kinetic and potential energy. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of maintaining adequate total energy (speed and altitude) when operating in mountainous terrain.
Key Topics
- Wind shear recognition and hazard avoidance in mountain flying
- Airmet Tango weather pattern affecting northern Colorado
- Total energy management (kinetic and potential energy) in aircraft operations
- Mountain terrain accident analysis and prevention
- High-altitude airport operations (Telluride and Aspen)
- Winter flying conditions and visibility challenges
Member News
- Frank Ladonne and Jolene reported flying to 39 U.S. states in their own aircraft
- Sandy and Roger Wickham reported landing in all 50 U.S. states and noted “they were all fun”
- Brian Beatty’s freshly painted RV-7 was featured in a photo approaching KAPA
