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FRThe Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) plays a vital role in advocating for the rights and interests of General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts across Canada. As a non-profit organization, COPA is committed to promoting the accessibility and safety of private and recreational flying.
COPA strives to ensure that the concerns and needs of the General Aviation community are addressed. Through working with government bodies and organizations, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs, COPA strives to protect the Canadian freedom to fly while fostering a supportive and vibrant aviation community in Canada.
Prominent trends and changes that COPA is focused on
Fewer people are becoming pilots
COPA works to address the shrinking pilot population in Canada by actively guiding and supporting aviation enthusiasts through the steps to obtaining their pilot’s licence. Our Discover Aviation Program provides a sequence of steps as well as an online learning section, COPA Aviation Academy to take to becoming a pilot in Canada.
For aviation enthusiasts who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, COPA offers additional paths of involvement, including volunteerism, general interest workshops and training, and connection to a community of like-minded folks who love to meet up at Fly-ins and other local events.
Aviation infrastructure is dwindling
Without runways, private and small airports, and other infrastructure, COPA and its members cannot do what they love. COPA has developed and continues to update its many publications and information sessions to educate pilots, air-strip owners, and aviation enthusiasts of the best paths to take to recognize your rights and to collaborate with local, provincial and even federal government when these rights are being infringed upon.
Barriers to aviation appear to be growing
Be it financial, regulatory, or mental barriers, it often seems as though getting into aviation in any capacity is impossible. COPA works to help make flying more accessible by:
Working with regulators to bring an understanding of the unique needs and classifications that private pilots experience.
Sourcing and recruiting the most accessible and competitive aviation insurance available
For a detailed look at some of the issues we have worked on recently and in the past, please choose from the categories below:
Topics we are keeping an eye on but not directly involved in, with a potential impact on Canadian General Aviation
Topics where COPA is actively engaged in dialogue, consultation, or advocacy work on behalf of members
Successes where COPA’s advocacy has delivered clear results AND positive outcomes for members
Support COPA's Advocacy Efforts
The COPA Freedom to Fly Fund (FFF) is private fund for COPA members with national issues. It was created to guarantee that COPA would have the resources required to take on emergency actions, legal or otherwise, in the defence of the Canadian Freedom to Fly. The fund is sustained through the generous contributions of COPA members and supporters and the association has a goal to maintain a ready $1M reserve for covering legal fees, when necessary.