One of the big attractions for the public at the COPA Convention and Trade Show last weekend in Kelowna was the static display. About 800 people attended the display, held on the grass across the field from the main terminal at YLW. A small admission charge applied and proceeds went to the Freedom to Fly Fund.

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The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) and Transport Canada have announced the launch of a new campaign aimed at educating pilots, passengers, and the general public on key areas related to safety in general aviation. Through an investment by Transport Canada over the next three years, the General Aviation Safety Campaign will highlight important topics in several areas of general aviation.

The announcement was made at a panel discussion at  COPA’s 2017 Convention and Trade Show held in Kelowna, B.C. June 24

Aimed at both pilots, industry stakeholders, and the public, the campaign will address: promoting compliance with safety regulations, building awareness of safety hazards and risks, enhancing collaboration on safety strategies, promoting Canada’s State Safety Program and safety objectives, and increasing public confidence in civil aviation. The safety campaign represents a partnership between Transport Canada and COPA, supported by an advisory committee comprised of partner associations from across Canada.

“COPA is proud to partner with Transport Canada in launching this exciting initiative to not only inform members of the general aviation community, but also the public on some of the important safety topics relevant to general aviation,” said Bernard Gervais, president and CEO of COPA. “As general aviation pilots, we take pride every day in committing ourselves to the highest standards of safety both for our passengers and ourselves. COPA is pleased that Transport Canada has chosen to work with us in this educational context in order to avoid imposing costly and unnecessary regulatory burdens on Canadian pilots.”

General aviation describes all civil aviation operations that are not scheduled air services, or unscheduled air services for hire. The most common general aviation activities include private aviation, business aviation, agricultural aviation and flight training. It is estimated that nationally, general aviation contributes $9.3B to the Canadian economy and accounts for almost 36,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The safety of the aviation community is a priority for Transport Canada. Through this campaign, the department is taking a proactive approach to safety by collaborating with key stakeholders to promote regulations, build awareness of risks and educate passengers, aircraft owners and maintenance providers on safe aviation practices,” said Aaron McCrorie, the director general for civil aviation at Transport Canada.

According to recent estimates by the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA), there are more than 350,000 aircraft and 700,000 pilots worldwide who participate in the global general aviation community on an annual basis. In comparison, commercial aviation accounts for only 60,000 aircraft and 400,000 pilots. This demonstrates the vast size and significance of the general aviation sector, worldwide.

“The TSB fully supports this cooperative initiative between COPA and TC to increase awareness and promote the proactive management of safety in general aviation,” said John Lee, manager of regional operations and air investigations for the TSB’s western region.

Belinda Bryce, Partner, Aviation, of the Magnes group told the panel that clear trends emerge from claims data and 50 percent of claims involve landing accidents. She said a cooperative approach is needed to address systemic and cultural issues at work.

“The General Aviation Safety Campaign is a clear example of Transport Canada’s commitment to general aviation and it’s confidence in COPA’s ability to drive this important safety initiative forward,” she said. “By enhancing general aviation safety across Canada it demonstrates what can be achieved when government and aviators work together towards a common goal.”

Mark Vanderaegen, the flight school director for Southern Interior Flight Centre, said pilots at all levels need to continuously train to keep up with rule and flying environment changes.

“Regulations, technology and aeronautical support systems develop on a continual basis in aviation, requiring ongoing training for every pilot. Initiatives like this allow pilots to continue to fortify their skills and help to make Canada stand out as a leading country in aviation safety,” he said.

The Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide has designated COPA a certified women-friendly organization. The designation includes mention on the iWOAW Web site and other recognition at events and in literature.

“To qualify for the iWOAW Certified Women Friendly designation, organizations must demonstrate their commitment to fostering gender balance in the air and space industry,” the organization says on its Website.

Among those criteria are:

•Percentage of female employees in technical occupations and/or management positions

•Percentage of products adapted to female customers

•Female students’ success rate

•Number and quality of internal pro-women programs/initiatives

•Outreach efforts (advertising, local outreach, etc.)

July 8th, Qualicum Beach, BC:  Airshow – aerobatics, flybys, static displays, sky jumping RC displays and more. Contact Paul 250-752-3427

July 8, Centralia, ON:  Anderson Aviation is holding their annual summer BBQ from 10-2, rain or shine!  info@andersonaviation.ca

JULY 9,  Owen Sound, ON (CYOS):  8am-4pm 11^th Annual Wings and Wheels Event/COPA Flight 144, 60+ aircraft expected, first 25 pilots get embroidered “Wings” hat, all pilots free lunch, mystery location win ICOM Handheld transceiver courtesy Aviation World.  Last year 330+ classic cars, this year enjoy award winning Elvis act by Peter Irwin, band live on stage ‘Memphis Rebels’, food court onsite, vendors, avgas and jet fuel, incoming 123.00 ground 122.400. Canadian Harvards, CWHM Catalina PBY flying Boat, DC-3 for public rides.  Information Steve Meades, ‘oldguys@bmts.com’ or text 519-375-1446

July 9, Bancroft, ON (CNW3): COPA Flight 119, Annual Fly-in Pancake Breakfast from 0800 until 1200. Gary Gaudreau gary@bancroftflyingclub.ca.

July 9, Souris, MB (CJX5): Fly-in Breakfast 0830 to 1130.

July 11 & 12, Shoal Lake, MB (CKL5):  Celebrate our 25th Anniversaries with us at Shoal Lake Airshow 2017 with the Snowbirds, Bill Carter, Pete Mcleod and more!  Full story at www.slairshow2017.ca.  Plan now to attend!

The COPA Convention and Tradeshow held in Kelowna June 23-24 was an outstanding success by every measure according to COPA President and CEO Bernard Gervais.

More than 500 delegates enjoyed warm weather and hospitality in the Okanagan Valley’s largest city and the feedback from them was overwhelmingly positive.

“It was a big success,” said Gervais adding the event will help set the standard for future conventions in terms of content, organization and commercial involvement.

More than 120 aircraft flew into the event and took over a remote, but easily accessible area of the international airport. A static display featuring at least 15 aircraft being shown by manufacturers and other aviation businesses drew hundreds of spectators. The organizing committee charged a small admission fee for the static display and part of the proceeds were donated to the Freedom to Fly Fund. COPA Flight 36 Kelowna’s total contribution to the fund was $1,700 and the airport authority matched it for a total of $3,400.

There were 34 vendors in the exhibitor hall, which took over two floors of the University of British Columbia (Okanagan Campus) engineering building. The exhibit hall bustled both days and vendors were busy.

The famous Okanagan weather put on an especially impressive show. Sunshine and warm temperatures provided the perfect environment for the huge array of attractions within easy access to the central location of the convention. Neighbouring flying clubs held dinners and other fly-out events for delegates.

Next year’s convention will be held in Saint John, New Brunswick.