Flight Lines (May 2001) focuses on the Colorado Pilots Association’s advocacy role in protecting aviation interests across the state, membership growth initiatives, and successful fly-in activities. President Doug Mass emphasizes that with only 682 members out of an estimated 14,000 licensed pilots in Colorado (less than 5%), the CPA needs stronger membership support to effectively counter zoning, construction, and noise complaints that threaten local airports. The newsletter highlights the successful April 6-8 Alamogordo fly-in trip, which drew about 40 participants despite challenging weather conditions, and features technical updates on GPS technology and personal reflections on aviation history.
Key Topics
- CPA membership recruitment and retention strategies
- Airport advocacy and protection against residential/commercial encroachment
- Importance of pilot participation in CPA committees and board meetings
- Garmin 295 GPS WAAS capability upgrades
- Historical reflections on WWII fighter operations and current geopolitical aviation incidents
Events & Activities
- CPA Alamogordo Fly-in (April 6-8, 2001) – approximately 40 participants, 10 aircraft
- Trinity Site tour near White Sands Missile Range (Saturday, April 7) – visited atomic bomb detonation site and restored 1945 ranch house
- Dinner at Rebecca’s Lodge in Cloudcroft (Friday evening)
- CPA Board meetings held first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at Centennial Airport
- May fly-in mentioned (May 19 and 20) – rides available through Larry Mullenax
Member News
- Brian Jones featured flying his Cherokee off a 2000-foot soft-dirt airstrip at Punta Colorado in Baja
- Multiple pilot accounts from Alamogordo trip: Tom Bein (20-knot groundspeed), Walter Bell (35 mph crosswind landing), Scott Morse (refueling delays at Santa Rosa)
