Colorado Pilots Association’s May 2020 Flight Lines highlights the critical role general aviation played during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to urgent needs, CPA members partnered with Angel Flight West to rapidly distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from hospital stockpiles at Centennial Airport to remote areas across Colorado. Members including Lynn McCullough and Bob Kinney, along with fellow pilot Richard Judy, successfully flew supply missions to communities like Monte Vista and LaJunta, demonstrating how the state’s network of local and regional airports enabled swift medical supply delivery to underserved hospitals and clinics.
CPA President Marty Brophy’s message addressed the challenges of stay-at-home orders while clarifying that Colorado classified flight schools as critical infrastructure for FAA-required pilot proficiency and currency training. The association coordinated with multiple aviation organizations to secure government clarification on essential aviation activities during the pandemic, though the status of solo flying remained ambiguous.
The newsletter also featured information about CPA’s scholarship programs, which shifted in 2020 to prioritize flight training over academic scholarships, offering up to $2,500 annually for Private Pilot candidates (ages 16-22) and Certificated Flight Instructor training for Commercial Pilot certificate holders.
Key Topics
- COVID-19 PPE distribution missions using general aviation
- Angel Flight West partnership with CPA members
- Critical infrastructure classification for flight schools
- General aviation’s value during pandemic response
- CPA scholarship program expansion for pilot training
- Civil Air Patrol PPE collection and delivery efforts
Events & Activities
- PPE supply flight from Centennial Airport to Monte Vista/Del Norte (early April)
- PPE supply flight to LaJunta from Centennial Airport (April 18)
- Ongoing COVID-19 supply missions by Colorado Wing of Angel Flight West (since March 1)
- Flight Deck Grill grand opening for 12th season at Vance Brand Airport (LMO), Longmont – open 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, May through October
Member News
- Lynn McCullough: Flew PPE mission from Centennial Airport to Monte Vista with Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte as final destination
- Bob Kinney: CPA board member and Angel Flight West member, piloted PPE supply flight to LaJunta on April 18
- Richard Judy: CPA/AFW pilot, assisted Bob Kinney on April 18 LaJalta supply mission
- Col. Gary Tobey: Civil Air Patrol Legislature Chairperson, reported CAP’s ongoing PPE collection and delivery missions along Front Range
- Bill Snodgrass: Angel Flight West – Colorado Wing Leader, coordinated pandemic response efforts
