The September 2021 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Marty Brophy’s analysis of FAA pilot statistics, revealing that Colorado has 20,978 active pilots (3.0% of the national total) and that CPA membership stands at 640 members. Notably, student pilots have grown to over 32% of all pilots nationally, up from 19% a decade ago, with women representing 14.2% of student pilots. The newsletter also includes a feature by Bill Marvel on the benefits and pleasures of night flying in an RV-14A, highlighting how nighttime operations offer unique advantages including calm air, minimal traffic, and excellent opportunities for instrument approach practice and pilot training.
Key Topics
- FAA pilot statistics and Colorado’s share of active pilots
- Growth in student pilot population (32% of all pilots)
- Women in aviation statistics and trends
- Instrument rating prevalence (45.8% of active pilots)
- CPA membership recruitment and volunteer opportunities
- Wildfire smoke impact on Colorado flying conditions
- Night flying benefits and training opportunities
- Night flight safety and aircraft lighting systems
- Instrument approach practice in low-traffic environments
Events & Activities
- CPA annual meeting and officer elections planned for November 2021
- Email voting for elected offices prior to November annual meeting
Member News
- Bill Marvel featured as “the RV-14A guy” discussing night flying experiences and training in the Grand Junction area
