Colorado Pilots Association CPA Newsletter

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Colorado Pilots Association Newsletter is published by the Colorado Pilots Association once each month. Colorado Pilots Association was incorporated as a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation in 1972. It is a statewide organization with over 700 members dedicated to making Colorado a better, safer, and more desirable place to fly. Objectives of the organization are to promote aviation and flight safety, to protect the rights of pilots, and to be of assistance to the general public in aviation matters. Most organizational activities are administered from central offices located in the Denver area. Officers of the association are elected by the membership at an annual meeting in November of each year. The officers and appointed committee chairpersons make up the Board of Directors that governs affairs of the association. Individuals acting as liaisons for other aviation-related organizations attend board meetings to facilitate coordination of activities. And a dedicated group of Area Representatives located around the state act as membership and information contacts. Please note, these newsletters are AI Transcribed, so there may be some phrasing or depictions from the newsletter. To get the full printed edition of the newsletter, please join us as a member at ColoradoPilots.org

  1. FEB 11

    Turbulence in the Tank: The FAA’s 2030 Unleaded Transition Plan vs. Real-World Physics

    The clock is ticking on 100LL. In this deep dive, we unpack the FAA’s newly released "Draft Transition Plan," which sets a hard target to eliminate leaded aviation fuel by 2030 (2032 for Alaska). We move beyond the press releases to analyze the friction between regulatory timelines and mechanical reality. Join us as we break down the FAA's four-phase roadmap, the fierce competition between fuel contenders (G100UL, 100R, and UL100E), and the massive supply chain hurdles facing every airport and FBO in the country. Show Notes & Key Takeaways • The FAA’s 4-Phase Roadmap:     ◦ Phase 1: Finalizing fuel authorizations and completing comparative testing.     ◦ Phase 2: Gaining market experience with early adopters and managing supply chains.     ◦ Phase 3: A nationwide rollout for the contiguous U.S. by 2030.     ◦ Phase 4: A specialized transition for Alaska extending to 2032 due to unique infrastructure challenges. • The Technical Risks (What Pilots Need to Know):     ◦ Valve Recession: A UND study found a statistically significant correlation between UL94 usage and exhaust valve seat recession, leading to cylinder failures.     ◦ Material Compatibility: AOPA’s Baron demo with G100UL highlighted that the fuel does not evaporate like 100LL, causing paint staining, and may be incompatible with certain older fuel bladders.     ◦ Microwelding: The lack of lead results in "microwelding" between valves and seats, a protective function lead oxides previously provided. • The Contenders:     ◦ G100UL (GAMI): Approved via STC for nearly all engines but facing material compatibility questions.     ◦ 100R (Swift Fuels): Approved via STC for specific airframes (e.g., Cessna 172) and expanding; recently achieved ASTM production specification.     ◦ UL100E (LyondellBasell/VP Racing): Currently in the FAA’s PAFI testing pipeline, targeting authorization in 2027. • Infrastructure Challenges: The transition requires dedicated storage, preventing misfueling, and potentially flushing tanks—complex tasks for FBOs currently managing a single AvGas grade AA Draft Transition Plan and Federal Register Notice • Draft FAA Transition Plan (Federal Register): https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-00296 • FAA Aviation Safety Draft Documents: https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/draft_docs • FAA Unleaded Future: https://www.faa.gov/unleaded, • FAA Grant Assurance 40 Q&A: https://www.faa.gov/airports/airport_compliance/compliance_guidance/Grant-Assurance-40-Leaded-Aviation-Gas-QA.pdf EAGLE Initiative and Fuel Information • EAGLE Homepage: https://flyeagle.org, • EAGLE Fuel Developers: https://flyeagle.org/fuel-developers/• EAGLE Transition Guidance for Flight Schools: https://flyeagle.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/EAGLE-Guidance-on-Transitioning-a-Flight-School-to-UL-Avgas-July2023.pdf EPA Endangerment Finding • EPA Regulations on Lead Emissions: www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/regulations-lead-emissions-aircraft University of North Dakota Study • Supplemental Data for UND Case Study: http://doi.org/10.31356/data033, Industry Resources and Safety • NATA Unleaded Avgas Fact Sheet: https://www.nata.aero/assets/Site_18/files/Safety 1st documents/Misfueling/UnleadedAvGasFactSheet.pdf • NATA Misfueling Prevention Program: www.preventmisfueling.com • Lycoming Service Instruction 1070AB: https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/files/attachments/SI1070AB%2520Specified%2520Fuels.pdf • AOPA News (California Fuel Mandates): https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2021/december/09/aopa-concerned-about-mandated-fuel-policies-in-california • Swift Fuels FAQ: https://www.swiftfuelsavgas.com/faq This AI-generated podcast series is brought to you from the Colorado Pilots Association. Please visit https://coloradopilots.org and consider becoming a member to help support these series.

    39 min
  2. FEB 9

    CPA Flight Lines February Newsletter Podcast 2026

    Here is a summary of the February 2026 Flight Lines newsletter formatted as a podcast description: Episode Title: CPA Flight Lines – February 2026: Advocacy, Unleaded Fuel Tax Credits, and the 2026 Fly-In Schedule Show Notes: In this episode, we cover the latest updates from the Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) as we head into 2026. Join us for a breakdown of the key stories affecting Colorado general aviation: 2026 Strategic Goals: CPA President Andy Holmes outlines the association's focus for the year, targeting 800 active members and strengthening advocacy and safety programs. Advocacy & Legislation: We discuss the new Colorado state income tax credit designed to help owners offset the cost of transitioning to unleaded aviation fuel. We also touch on the "Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act" (PAPA) regarding the use of ADS-B data. Scholarship Opportunities: The application window is now open for the 2026 Pilot Training Scholarship Program, offering support for both student pilots and those seeking advanced ratings. 2026 Fly-In Preview: Get your calendars ready! We preview the upcoming fly-in schedule, which includes a musical tour in Phoenix, a propeller shop tour in Akron, a trip to the Grand Canyon, and a unique "Tarantula Wildlife Safari" in La Junta. Aviation Spotlight: We take a look at Spirit Engineering in Grand Junction, a company manufacturing the new SE-1 light-sport aircraft right here in Colorado. Safety & Education: Updates on the Mountain Flying Course and new practice area overlay maps for flight training. This AI-generated podcast series is brought to you from the Colorado Pilots Association. Please visit https://coloradopilots.org and consider becoming a member to help support these series.

    12 min
  3. 11/09/2025

    CPA Flight Lines November Newsletter Podcast 2025

    Welcome back to the Colorado Pilots Association podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into highlights from the November 2025 edition of Flight Lines. Outgoing president Adrian Nye reflects on his time leading CPA and passes the torch to incoming president Andy Holmes and vice president Patrick Brennan. We’ll also cover what’s ahead for members — from the Annual Meetingat Rocky Mountain Metro Airport and the always-festive Holiday Dinner at Buffalo Run Golf Course, to the 2026 Fly-In Planning Meeting kicking off the new year. We’ll talk about CPA’s 2026 Scholarship Program, honoring aviation legends Walt and Terry Barbo and Emily Howell Warner — both of whom continue to inspire Colorado’s next generation of pilots. Then, we’ll turn to advocacy news as Longmont’s city council moves forward with a landing fee ordinance, sparking passionate debate among local aviators defending access to community airports. In the “From the Line” section, Adrian Nye shares Why They Fly, a heartfelt reflection on the joy of flight, and Bill Marvel returns with Got Oxygen?, offering insight into high-altitude flying and personal safety here in the Rockies. We’ll also recap recent CPA fly-ins — from Nucla, Colorado, where members explored a century-old irrigation marvel carved through the mountains, to Hutchinson, Kansas, home to an underground salt mine and the world-class Kansas Cosmosphere. And if you’re planning ahead, mark your calendars — the April 2026 Phoenix Fly-In promises blue skies, desert beauty, and a perfect start to the flying season. This AI-generated podcast series is brought to you from the Colorado Pilots Association. Please visit https://coloradopilots.org and consider becoming a member to help support these series.

    13 min
  4. 10/09/2025

    CPA Flight Lines October Newsletter Podcast 2025

    🎙️ Podcast Summary – CPA Flight Lines (October 2025 Edition)   Segment 1: President’s Corner – New Ideas for a Stronger CPA This month, CPA President Adrian Nye reflects on new ways the organization can grow and serve the aviation community. He proposes creating a CPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that would enable tax-deductible educational donations for scholarships and outreach—similar to what AOPA and EAA have done. Nye also encourages stronger liaisons with other aviation organizations, renewed efforts to engage airport representatives, and a membership renewal campaign targeting expired members. His column closes on an optimistic note, celebrating the beauty of autumn mountain flying and CPA’s shared passion for aviation.     Segment 2: CPA NOTAMs – News and Action Updates The newsletter highlights the 2025 CPA elections, with Andrew Holmes running for president and ongoing openings for the Vice President position. A key Action Alert urges pilots to contact the Boulder City Council after the city’s lawsuit to close Boulder Municipal Airport was dismissed. CPA encourages members to voice support for keeping the airport open and accepting FAA maintenance grants. Also featured: the Jackson County Airport celebrates the completion of a major runway reconstruction project, improving safety and access for emergency and business aviation across North Park, Colorado.     Segment 3: Advocacy Spotlight – Soaring Society of Boulder Letter The Soaring Society of Boulder publicly calls on city leaders to end their FAA lawsuit and resume accepting grants. Their letter emphasizes the airport’s vital role in wildfire response, training, and community engagement, and points out that only 16% of Boulder residents favor airport closure. It also highlights progress in noise reduction and the transition to unleaded aviation fuel—rebutting common anti-airport arguments.     Segment 4: Events & Community CPA thanks SheltAir-KBJC for hosting a hugely successful inaugural CPA BBQ, drawing over 90 attendees for food, music, and fellowship. Upcoming events include the Aviation Training Expo in Denver and the CPA Holiday Dinner at the Bison Grill in Commerce City. The newsletter also lists October aviation meetings, poker runs, and webinars for pilots statewide.     Segment 5: Safety Brief – The Enroute Climb Danger Contributor Bill Marvel delivers a gripping technical piece warning about the “dead man flying” scenario—when a pilot in a slow climb over rising terrain unknowingly enters a total energy deficit, leaving no way to outclimb or turn away from mountains ahead. His advice: climb to terrain-crossing altitude early or circle until reaching cruise altitude before crossing high terrain.   Segment 6: Fly-Ins & Adventures The issue closes with a recap of CPA’s 2025 fly-in season, capped by a trip to Hutchinson, Kansas, and a travel log from Alamogordo, New Mexico, where members toured the Space History Museum and White Sands National Park. Plans are already underway for 2026 fly-ins, and members are invited to propose and host new destinations.   🎧 Closing Thoughts The October edition captures the essence of the Colorado Pilots Association: advocacy, education, safety, and community. From policy engagement in Boulder to mountain flying lessons and social gatherings, CPA continues to amplify the voice of general aviation in Colorado. This AI generated podcast series is brought to you from the Colorado Pilots Association.  Please visit us at https://coloradopilots.org and consider becoming a member to help support these series.

    19 min

About

Colorado Pilots Association Newsletter is published by the Colorado Pilots Association once each month. Colorado Pilots Association was incorporated as a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation in 1972. It is a statewide organization with over 700 members dedicated to making Colorado a better, safer, and more desirable place to fly. Objectives of the organization are to promote aviation and flight safety, to protect the rights of pilots, and to be of assistance to the general public in aviation matters. Most organizational activities are administered from central offices located in the Denver area. Officers of the association are elected by the membership at an annual meeting in November of each year. The officers and appointed committee chairpersons make up the Board of Directors that governs affairs of the association. Individuals acting as liaisons for other aviation-related organizations attend board meetings to facilitate coordination of activities. And a dedicated group of Area Representatives located around the state act as membership and information contacts. Please note, these newsletters are AI Transcribed, so there may be some phrasing or depictions from the newsletter. To get the full printed edition of the newsletter, please join us as a member at ColoradoPilots.org