The July 2021 issue of Flight Lines covers critical safety topics for Colorado pilots, with President Marty Brophy emphasizing the importance of continued aviation education and awareness of density altitude during hot summer months. The newsletter features a detailed analysis by Bill Marvel examining the May 2018 Cirrus SR-22 accident involving pilot Bob Marquis, using it as a case study on the dangers of “get-there-itis” and poor decision-making in marginal weather conditions. The article highlights how a series of warning flags—including flying a just-out-of-annual aircraft at night in marginal weather for a non-essential trip—can lead to tragedy.
Brophy encourages members to participate in CPA’s monthly Zoom safety seminars and explore aviation education resources like Pilot Workshops’ “VFR Mastery” lessons. He also reminds members to update their privacy settings in the member directory and invites pilots to volunteer with the organization. The newsletter emphasizes that waiting for better weather or departing a day late is always preferable to risking lives by pushing VFR limits in deteriorating conditions.
Key Topics
- Density altitude effects on aircraft performance in summer conditions
- Importance of continued aviation education and training resources
- CPA monthly Zoom safety seminars on the third Monday
- “Get-there-itis” and poor aeronautical decision-making
- Post-annual inspection flight risks
- VFR flight in marginal weather and task saturation
- Night flying over mountains in challenging conditions
- Member directory privacy settings update
Events & Activities
- Angel Fire Fly-in scheduled for August 2021
- CPA Zoom safety seminars held on the third Monday of each month
- Pilot Workshops “VFR Mastery” monthly lessons available online
Member News
- Bob Marquis memorial: Recognition of the late Grand Junction veterinarian and pilot whose 2018 SR-22 accident is examined as a cautionary case study in the newsletter
