Colorado Pilots Association Flight Lines – October 1988 issue covers critical upcoming aviation requirements and regulatory updates. The primary focus is on the transition to Mode S transponder equipment, which will be mandated after January 7, 1992. President Don Welsh explains that Mode S transponders offer significant improvements including data link capability, built-in identifier codes, and radar clutter reduction, though they will cost 2-5 times more than current transponders. The newsletter also reports on the establishment of Colorado’s new State Aeronautics Office, expected to be operational by January 1, 1989, with updates on board member selection and administrative challenges. A successful CPA/FAA Wings Safety Program in Grand Junction is highlighted as a cooperative aviation safety effort.
Key Topics
- Mode S transponder requirements and installation deadlines (January 7, 1992)
- Technical differences between TS0-C47 and TS0-C112 Mode S transponders
- Cost implications and planning for transponder upgrades
- Colorado State Aeronautics Office establishment and board selection process
- FAA altitude reporting requirements in specified airspace
- Transition regulations allowing older equipment through January 1, 1992
Events & Activities
- Labor Day Weekend Fly-In at Angel Fire, New Mexico (featuring Karl Sutterfield and Gretchen Jahn)
- CPA/FAA Wings Flight Safety Program – August 26-27 at Walker Field, Grand Junction, Colorado
- CPA Annual Meeting briefing by Department of Military Affairs – October 22
- 22 pilots participated in the Grand Junction Wings program from Colorado and Utah
Member News
- Flight instructors recognized for donating time and expertise to the Wings program: Leonard Orr (Montrose), Bill Hill, Rudy Gordon, Tal Thoreys, Rolly Stevens, Rick Dunn, Ron Vincent (Grand Junction area), Phil Niffer (Rangely), Lee Lechner (Vail), Rick Mason (Colorado Springs), and Vern Foster (Aurora)
- Ben and Phyllis Kramer of Hotchkiss highlighted as recent transplants from Denver area participating in the Wings program
- Special thanks to facility donors Bob Wilson (Junction Jet) and Larry Keyton Jr. (Keyton Air Service)
