Colorado Pilots Association November 2013 newsletter highlights the conclusion of President Mark Brown’s tenure, reflecting on a year of strong fiscal health and significant accomplishments. The organization has achieved notable progress in backcountry airstrip development, successfully hosted its first potluck in years, and continues to gain national recognition for its Mountain Flying Ground School. With membership at its highest level in years, the CPA faces important challenges ahead including youth engagement in aviation, liability protection legislation for backcountry airstrips, and bylaw revisions.
The newsletter emphasizes the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers across multiple committees and activities. Key contributors include Nathan Kurth and Gary Tobey on backcountry airports, Ann Anderson on the Light Sport Expo, Bill Standerfer and Bill Dunne on mountain flying instruction, and Walt and Terry Barbo on community outreach. President Brown calls upon members to support ongoing initiatives and help address future organizational priorities.
Key Topics
- CPA fiscal condition and board operations
- Backcountry and recreational airport development and maintenance
- Mountain Flying Ground School national recognition
- Light Sport Expo planning and execution
- Membership growth and recruitment challenges
- Colorado liability protection legislation for backcountry airstrips
- Youth engagement in aviation
- Safety and education committee initiatives
- Daylight Saving Time reminder (November 3, 2013)
- Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds return to 2014 airshow schedule
Events & Activities
- April 2013 – CPA potluck lunch at Walt and Terry Barbo’s hangar
- Light Sport Expo 2013 – Successfully completed; planning underway for 2014 (date and location to be determined)
- Airventure – Abbreviated Mountain Flying Ground School course presented (standing room only)
- Multiple fly-ins across Colorado throughout 2013
- November 3, 2013 – Daylight Saving Time change
- 2014 – Blue Angels scheduled to perform at 65 shows at 34 U.S. locations, including Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida in April
Member News
- Penny Hamilton – CPA member and cancer survivor recognized as one of two 2013 winners in Eli Lilly’s “Oncology on Canvas” nationwide art competition for her painting “Oncology Odyssey,” selected by a blind panel of artists. Penny and her husband Bill were honored guests at Eli Lilly headquarters in Indianapolis during the company’s Global Day of Giving.
- Officers and Committee Chairs Recognized: Vice-president Bob Kinney, Treasurer Cindy Jewel, Recorder Karen Hitchcock, and all Liaisons and Committee Chairpersons thanked for their volunteer service
- Special Recognition: Nathan Kurth, Gary Tobey, Ann Anderson, Bill Standerfer, Bill Dunne, Terry Barbo, Walt Barbo, Bob and Shawn Kinney, Blanche Cohen (newsletter), and Steve Callery (website) commended for outstanding contributions
- Photography Contributors: Babette Andre’, Walt Barbo, Walt Bell, Phillipe Camus, Bob Kinney, Matt Schantz, and Jim Wark thanked for excellent photos throughout the year
