Colorado group readies for second ‘Aviation Saves’ event

Preparations are underway for the Colorado Aviation Business Associations (CABA’s) second annual “Aviation Saves” event, scheduled for June 10-11 at Centennial Airport in Englewood, near Denver.

While the dates have changed from last year’s late-April timeframe, the theme and location remain the same as the inaugural event, which was supported by dozens of volunteers, 49 corporate sponsors and attracted about 1,000 attendees.

As with last year, the goal of “Aviation Saves” is to educate the general, non-flying public and government officials about how all of general aviation, including business aviation, contributes to the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. That mission once again is underscored by the events tagline: “Aviation Saves Lives, Jobs, Communities, Businesses, Local Economies and More.”

“We want to continue to carry the momentum forward,” said Reggie Arsenault, CABA chairman and a senior manager for Jeppesen. “The markets obviously starting to recover, but we don’t want to lose the opportunity to continue to educate the public on the importance of business and general aviation.”

To that end, CABA is hosting several special events that the organization hopes will help draw larger crowds and generate more support from the public sector. CABA has partnered with Signature Aviation, which will sponsor a charity golf tournament on June 10, as well as the Denver-based Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum, which will host its annual B-17 fly-in on June 11 at Centennial Airport.

The fly-in, which is sponsored jointly by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), has proven to be such a big crowd pleaser that CABA moved back the dates for Aviation Saves this year, in part, to host the event. “The B-17 always draws a big crowd, so by partnering with them and having exhibits and aircraft on display at the same time, we figure it offers a good format to get the ear of the public,” Arsenault said.

The fly-in will feature EAA’s restored B-17G Flying Fortress, “Aluminum Overcast” vintage World War II bomber. Rides will be available to EAA members for $399 and non-members for $439.

An industry dinner will be held the evening of June 10, followed by a Hangar Dance, sponsored by Wings Over the Rockies. Both the dinner and the dance are open to the public, said Brittany Davies, CABA vice chair and flight coordinator of M&N Aviation.

Dinner speakers are still being lined up, although Pete Bunce, president and CEO of GAMA, has committed, Arsenault said. CABA also has invited Colorado governor John Hickenlooper to appear.

Several Denver area CEOs also are expected to talk about the importance of business aviation to their companies and the operations of their flight departments. A variety of private and military aircraft also will be on display. “Its going to be just one big aviation weekend,” said Arsenault.

For more information: Mycaba.org