Volume 4, Number 2 – March 1987: This issue of Flight Lines features critical safety guidance from CPA President Sonny Elgin regarding Denver’s Terminal Control Area (TCA), which has become increasingly dangerous following recent midair collisions. Controllers report 5-6 daily intrusions, with 14 intrusions per day during good VFR weekends. The president emphasizes self-discipline and adherence to FAA regulations as the key to preventing accidents and maintaining general aviation’s standing with the FAA.
A highlight of the issue is Stephen Blucher’s account of a successful Civil Air Patrol search and rescue mission. Flying northeast of Pueblo with observer Dale Odom, Blucher and his crew located a downed aircraft using ELT signals and visual search patterns. The two survivors aboard the flipped aircraft were found with only minor injuries, and with coordination from Denver Center and emergency responders, the situation was resolved successfully. Blucher’s detailed narrative emphasizes the life-saving value of CAP operations and the teamwork involved in aviation emergencies.
The newsletter also spotlights Walt Barbo, the FAA’s Airport District Office manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, who brings decades of aviation experience including World War II service as a P-38 fighter pilot and extensive work in civilian aviation management and education.
Key Topics
- Denver Terminal Control Area (TCA) safety and penetration hazards
- FAA enforcement: 60-day license suspension for TCA intrusions
- Frequency of unauthorized TCA entries by general aviation aircraft
- Navigation techniques to avoid TCA boundaries (VOR-based and DME-based)
- Self-discipline and regulatory compliance in aviation
- Civil Air Patrol search and rescue operations
- ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) effectiveness
- Multi-agency emergency response coordination
Events & Activities
- Civil Air Patrol search and rescue mission northeast of Pueblo (date unspecified)
- Downed aircraft located and two survivors rescued with minor injuries
- Coordination with Denver Center, Colorado State Patrol, and emergency medical services
Member News
- Stephen Blucher – CPA member and Civil Air Patrol pilot credited with locating downed aircraft; featured with aircraft “Morning Glory”
- Walt Barbo – FAA Airport District Office manager for Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming; World War II P-38 fighter pilot; holds multiple engineering degrees; C-210 Turbo owner based at JEFFCO Airport; commercial pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings; celebrated 25th wedding anniversary in December with wife Terry
- Terry Barbo – Editor of CPA Flight Lines; wife of Walt Barbo; aviation enthusiast
- Dale Odom – Co-pilot and observer on successful CAP rescue mission
- Bill Yalotz and Hugh Stock – CAP pilots who provided high-altitude support during rescue mission
