Airline Cancellations Spur Change To Plan B

“The show must go on,” said Hetty Carlson, Aviation Education & Outreach Specialist for the Colorado Division of Aeronautics.

In recent years the Division recognized a growing trend among general aviation pilots from many widespread locales interested in flying to and in Colorado. As a result, the Division started attending EAA AirVenture to raise awareness of the resources available to them.

And so it was that Carlson, Shahn Sederberg, Communications and Multimedia Manager for the Division, and Aviation Planner Kip McLain planned flights to get there. However, the widespread computer glitch that affected hundreds of flights the past couple weeks caused them to go to Plan B, which was to drive to Oshkosh. When they looked at their phones and saw their canceled flight they quickly pivoted to rent a car, and on Saturday began the 15-hour drive to AirVenture.

Carlson said her goal was “To set up the booth and talk about flying safely in the great state of Colorado, specifically in the mountains. We are so, so incredibly grateful, it’s been a fantastic show.”

“It had to happen, and we were willing to do whatever it took to do that,” added Sederberg.

The Colorado Division of Aeronautics very actively supports and promotes aviation and aerospace both in-state and around the country. Division Director Dave Ulane said its innovative programs flow from its mission to advance a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy. They often serve as models for other state aviation agencies to support commercial and general aviation airports, tenants, businesses, and youth activities. They also facilitate the Division’s desire to provide a wealth of resources that help make the lives of airport managers, pilots, aviation businesses, and the flying public much happier than they might be otherwise.

FMI:  www.codot.gov/programs/aeronautics