Volume 23, No. 9 – September 2006
The September 2006 issue of Flight Lines highlights two major CPA fly-in adventures. The Canyon City fly-in, sponsored by CPA members Mark and Leah Greksa, offered participants an exceptional full-day experience combining flying, rafting on the Arkansas River, winery tours with wine tasting, a scenic train ride through Royal Gorge Canyon in a historic observation dome car with gourmet dinner, and skydiving the next morning. The Niobrara River Ranch fly-in in Valentine, Nebraska (August 5-6, 2006) provided nineteen CPA members and guests with calm flying conditions, an eleven-mile canoe journey through scenic canyon walls, horseback riding opportunities, cabin accommodations, riverside dining, and stargazing. Both events exemplified the organization’s commitment to building camaraderie among pilots.
CPA President Bart Jones emphasized in his message that the organization’s membership—currently hovering around 700—remains vital for the association’s future. He highlighted the importance of inviting fellow pilots and aircraft owners to participate in CPA activities, noting that the upcoming annual meeting and holiday party are in planning stages with strong leadership transitions underway. Jones stressed that flying requires passion and commitment, and the CPA provides essential peer support and organized events to keep members engaged.
Key Topics
- Membership growth and retention strategies
- Leadership transition and organizational planning
- Member fly-in experiences and recreational activities
- Importance of camaraderie and peer support among pilots
- Historical aviation factoid regarding aircraft carriers in World War II
Events & Activities
- Canyon City Fly-in – Multi-day event featuring flying, river rafting, winery tour and tasting, Royal Gorge Route Railroad scenic train ride with gourmet dinner in observation dome car, and skydiving (Sponsored by Mark and Leah Greksa)
- Niobrara River Ranch Fly-in – August 5-6, 2006, Valentine, Nebraska; 19 CPA members and guests participated in 11-mile canoe trip, hiking, ranch activities, and riverside barbeque dinner
- CPA Annual Meeting – Saturday, November 4, 2006, 9:00 am, Frontier Airlines Center One, 7001 Tower Road
- Holiday Party (planning underway)
Member News
- Mark and Leah Greksa – CPA members and owners of Royal Gorge Route Railroad, sponsored Canyon City fly-in
- Lee Simmons – Niobrara River Ranch owner, praised for exceptional hospitality and service to CPA members
- Kathleen Bennett – Instrument/Commercial Pilot who authored detailed account of Niobrara River Ranch fly-in experience
- Bart Jones – CPA President completing tenure, noted for supporting seamless leadership transition
