March 1994 Flight Lines focuses on CPA’s advocacy efforts protecting Colorado’s aviation infrastructure and pilot interests. President Mike Baldwin reports on successful testimony supporting the Grand County Airport Master Plan, which gained commissioners’ approval with backing from 450 CPA members and other aviation advocates. The newsletter highlights ongoing legislative efforts regarding manufacturer liability protection (HB 94-1182), airspace preservation against MOA encroachment by the National Guard, and the development of the Lonny Heritage Aviation Museum, which has met its financial goals.
Key advocacy priorities include protecting airports from encroachment through state zoning laws, preserving airspace access, and supporting pilot-friendly legislation. CPA leadership worked with AOPA and other aviation organizations to oppose blanket immunity bills lacking statute of repose protections. The organization continues mobilizing its 450 members for legislative and community meetings where pilot testimony proves influential in protecting aviation interests at local and state levels.
Key Topics
- Grand County Airport Master Plan approval and pilot advocacy effectiveness
- HB 94-1182 Colorado Aviation Manufacturers Act—opposition to blanket immunity without statute of repose
- Airspace initiative to prevent MOA (Military Operations Area) encroachment on civilian airspace
- Lonny Heritage Aviation Museum Foundation financial goals achieved
- Eagle County Airport tower and FSS improvements
- Airport encroachment protection through state zoning law (28-6-712)
- Gunnison County Airport night operations restrictions and fees
- Banner advertising aircraft sign-towing court victory in Boulder
- CPA Mountain Flying Course planned for summer with potential sponsor funding
Events & Activities
- Legislative Coffee—Wednesday, April 6, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., State Capitol, cosponsored by CPA and CAOA
- 1994 Rocky Mountain Air Fair—October 1-2 at Currigan Hall, featuring over 100 exhibitors, pilot seminars, children’s Fantasy of Flight program, keynote speakers Gordon Barter and Kas Thomas
- CPA Mountain Flying Course—Summer 1994, ground school with potential sponsor funding
- CPA Board Meetings—First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Stapleton Plaza Hotel (second Monday if holiday)
- February 8—Board members attended Grand County Commissioners meeting in Hot Sulphur Springs regarding airport master plans
Member News
- Bill Hamilton and Mike Baldwin represented CPA at Grand County Commissioners meeting in support of airport improvements
- Airspace committee chair Wah Brull and VP Phyllis Komer forming committee with Dean Baird and Bert Hamilton to protect airspace from MOA limits
- Marilyn Taylor serves as CPA Legislative Chair (303/659-7265)
- Pilot Alert issued regarding Gunnison County Airport night landing policies and fees
- CPA members actively involved in all-volunteer 1994 Rocky Mountain Air Fair project
