September 1988 Flight Lines covers major FAA regulatory changes and member aviation experiences. President Don Welsh details new transponder and Mode C altitude reporting requirements effective at various dates between July 1989 and December 1990, affecting aircraft operating in TCAs, enroute airspace, ARSAs, and designated airport areas. The newsletter also features Walt Barbo’s personal account of his first three weeks of retirement from the FAA, including a detailed narrative about coordinating maintenance and transportation logistics for his Cessna 210 across multiple Colorado airports, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the local aviation community.
Key Topics
- FAA transponder and Mode C altitude reporting mandate
- Implementation dates and airspace-specific requirements (TCA, enroute, ARSA)
- Exemptions for balloons, gliders, and non-electrical aircraft
- Personal aircraft maintenance and ownership experiences
- Short-field landing techniques and practice
- Airport logistics and community aviation support
Events & Activities
- Aircraft annual inspection at Front Range Airport with IA Sonny Elgin
- Engine cylinder compression testing and valve inspection
- Short-field landing practice at Greeley Airport
- Aircraft delivery to Thompson (Eaton) Private Airport (4800-foot elevation, restricted use)
Member News
- Walt Barbo – Retired from FAA effective July 30; operating Cessna 210; underwent aircraft annual maintenance
- Mike Bundgaard – Featured in cover photo flying Firefly AX-7 balloon near Longmont with student
- Fred Jaeger – Airport Manager at Greeley, provided ground transportation assistance
- Frank Gallo – Skylane pilot, State Judicial Department employee, based at Front Range Airport
- Tom Daly – Skylane Turbo 182RG owner based at Centennial
