People and planes at Cirrus Aircraft’s appreciation opening dinner, kicking off AirVenture 2023. (Photo: Phil Lightstone)

— Text and photos by Phil Lightstone

Founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes, the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) expanded its mission of growing participation in aviation to include antiques, classics, warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, ultralights, helicopters, and contemporary manufactured aircraft.

The EAA is expecting more than 10,000 aircraft and half a million enthusiasts which makes Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) the busiest airfield in the world during AirVenture. This weeklong event draws visitors from more than 80 countries, many of whom fly in. In addition to daily air shows, the event also includes learning centres for children and aircraft enthusiasts; aircraft of nearly every size, shape and era; evening programs, like a “fly-in” theatre, concerts, and presentations; and flight experiences.

EAA’s AirVenture started with inclement weather on Saturday evening. The TAF reported: KOSH 222320Z 2300/2324 23007KT P6SM VCSH BKN050 TEMPO 2301/2302 29018G28KT 3SM TSRA BKN035CB FM230500 26003KT P6SM SCT100 FM231600 29006KT P6SM SCT045 BKN100. Sunday had a high of 28C and mainly sunny skies, perfect for pre AirVenture activities, including the EAA Canada’s opening BBQ and Cirrus Aircraft Sunday Night Kickoff party.

Cirrus’ customer appreciation event, pulled out all the stops, delivering an event with food, drinks, live music and wall to wall aviators and enthusiasts, with factory staff on hand to answer any any all questions. With over 2,000 people in attendance and with founders Alan and Dale Klapmeier and over 2,000, the event kicked off Cirrus’s flight academy program, designed to take a student pilot from “zero to hero”.

Cirrus Aircraft announced its new, world-class Private Pilot Program designed to teach anyone to learn how to fly an SR Series Cirrus aircraft and earn their pilot’s license. The Private Pilot Program provides an immersive ground school training partnered with a dedicated Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) through a Cirrus Training Centre to help students complete their Private Pilot License in a Cirrus aircraft.

COPA held a BBQ for Canadians on Tuesday evening at the SOS Brothers Beer Tent. More than 300 Canadians were in attendance, sampling fine Wisconsin food and drink. The camaraderie afforded at these events, illustrates how a common interest (aviation) can bring complete strangers together sharing experiences, insights and knowledge.

Many electric aircraft and eVTOLs were on display, including Hydroplane’s whose focus on research and development activities and the commercializations of electrifying aircraft with hydrogen fuel cells. Dr. Anita Sengupta, founder, reports that Grey Hydrogen is as low as $2 per kg, but Green Hydrogen is $6-plus per kg.

Their Piper Cherokee test vehicle holds 25 kg of hydrogen which delivers three to four hours of endurance. Compared to 100LL fuel costs, hydrogen will help reduce the cost of flying. More to come as Hydroplane works through the R&D and certification process with the FAA.

While SUN ‘n FUN is reputed to be the spring break for aviators, AirVenture is no doubt the centre of general aviation in North America, if not worldwide.

Checkout eaa.org/airventure for daily updates and live event streaming.

President’s Award recipient Robert Jaap with his straight tail Cessna 172. (Photo: Robert Jaap)

— By Sharon Cheung

The flying community across Canada continues to thrive thanks to the generous efforts of many outstanding aviation leaders. Through COPA’s Volunteer Awards, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association recognizes volunteers who go above and beyond to advance, promote and preserve the Canadian Freedom to Fly in their local communities. We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients in the following categories and regions below:

President’s Award – Rob Jaap, Sylvan Lake, AB
Rob is the owner, pilot and mechanic of a straight-tail Cessna 172 affectionately known as the Spam Can (C-GFGY). When he isn’t spending time backcountry flying into Red Deer Forestry (CFR7), he can be found leading the fine folks of Innisfail Flying Club, flying in his own and other clubs’ Discover Aviation events, tirelessly volunteering for all types of aviation pursuits. Over the past two years, Rob has spearheaded a small group of aviators and volunteers to run a survival weekend dubbed That Night in the Woods. The overnight simulated survival scenario held in April is a proving ground for aviators and aviation survival kits alike.

Director’s Awards
Greg Howard, Qualicum Beach, BC
Guy Miller, Pitt Meadows, BC
Stephanie Hodson, Red Deer, AB
Dan Charrois, Legal, AB
Canadian In-Flight Information Broadcast (CIFIB), Southern ON
John Chandler, North York, ON
Gary Blanchett, South River, ON
Clay Smith, Glovertown, NL
Jeremy Dann, Parkdale, NS

COPA Appreciation Awards
David Black, North Vancouver, BC
Geoff Hancock, Vermillon, AB
Glenn Chong, Red Deer, AB
Kyle Huth, Ottawa, ON
Charles Rampulla, Brampton, ON

COPA Flight Excellence Award
COPA Flight 157, Iron Creek Flying Club, Iron Creek, AB

— Photos and text by Gus and Clara Corujo

On Saturday, July 15, aviation and classic car enthusiasts gathered at the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport in Lindsay, Ontario. to celebrate the much-anticipated Kawartha Airport Klassics event. Organized in collaboration with the Kawartha Classic Kruisers and Kawartha Lakes Flying Club, the event promised a day filled with vintage aircraft, classic cars and exciting activities.

Despite some challenges caused by unsettled weather, the gates were opened promptly at 8:00 am for the eager public. While a few scheduled aircraft were unable to attend due to the weather conditions, the spirit of the attendees remained undeterred. The enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable as they streamed into the event grounds, ready to experience a day of aviation and automotive nostalgia.

The event showcased an impressive lineup of classic aircraft, including iconic models like the Tiger Moth, Antonov-AN2, Skybolt, Citabria, and Bell OH-58A Helicopter. These historic flying machines served as a captivating focal point for aviation enthusiasts, who marveled at their timeless design and engineering brilliance.

Inside one of the hangars at the airport, visitors had the opportunity to admire the innovative Seabee and Horizon Aviation’s Cavorite X5. Of particular interest was the Cavorite X5, which boasted a patented fan-in-wing vertical lift system — an engineering marvel that drew considerable attention and admiration from the curious onlookers.

Lumix, an aviation company, displayed an aircraft fuselage trailer on-site, further adding to the event’s appeal. It provided a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with aircraft components and learn more about the intricacies of these flying machines.

The event also attracted the attention of the local authorities, with a police car and personnel making an appearance. Their presence added an element of community involvement and safety to the event.

As visitors explored the grounds and admired the impressive displays, they had the chance to participate in door prizes and a 50/50 draw — activities that added an extra layer of excitement to the day. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as participants hoped to be among the lucky winners.

Throughout the day, the airport’s restaurants remained open, serving delicious food to attendees. Families and friends relished the opportunity to spend quality time together, enjoying the sights and sounds of the event while indulging in tasty treats.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kawartha Airport Klassics was its free admission and parking policy. The organizers’ decision to make the event accessible to all undoubtedly contributed to the impressive turnout, despite the challenging weather conditions.

In the end, while the rain cut the event short, the Kawartha Airport Klassics successfully brought aviation and classic car enthusiasts together. The event’s charm and appeal remained evident, fostering camaraderie and mutual appreciation for the beauty of vintage aviation and classic automobiles.

Crew member Jim Perry of Calgary had the bombardier seat in the B-17 warbird on its flight from Cranbrook to Penticton. (Photo: Mark Brett, Penticton Herald)

— By Mark Brett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Penticton Herald

Calgary’s Jim Perry was the lone Canadian crew member aboard this year’s visit to Penticton by the Commemorative Air Force warbirds.

The Calgary resident actually had his first flight aboard the Second World War B-17 Sentimental Journey several years ago in Mesa, Ariz. where he winters and where the warbirds Airbase Arizona Flying Museum is located.

“When I booked that flight on this aircraft in 2019, they were so professional and so accommodating I decided to join,” said Perry who spent the arrival flight from Cranbrook to Penticton in the coveted bombardier’s seat in the glassed-in nose of the B-17.

“It is just a dream to fly in this airplane. I just really love it,” he said.

Sentimental Journey arrived recently and was on static display for tours starting the following day.

It was joined at the Penticton Regional Airport’s Gate 88 on Thursday, July 20, by the B-25 Maid in the Shade as part of the Flying Legends of Victory Tour of Canada and the United States.

Flights for the public on the two aircraft continue through Sunday, July 23.

The tour is made possible through the efforts of volunteers like Perry.

Crew members attend ground school in the spring and spend up to several weeks of their summer on tour.

Perry’s job is that as one of the flight loadmasters, looking after passengers when the plane is airborne and pre-flight interior inspection.

— Text and photos by Jean-Pierre Bonin

Lac-à-la-Tortue serves the region as an airport (CSL3) and a water aerodrome (CSU7). The first commercial flight took place there back in 1919 with La Vigilance, un hydravion à coque Curtiss HS-2L. Folks from Manitoba will argue that they were the first in 1920 but theirs was the first passenger commercial flight.

The fly-in drew aircraft on land and by lake, with some 40 pilots and their passengers coming with about 30 planes, four gyrocopters and half a dozen seaplanes.

As I drove East toward Lac-à-la-Tortue on highway 40, it was misty conditions. Upon arriving on site, cloud cover was 1,100 feet with a few breaks allowing people flying VFR to squeeze in for a landing. Better weather might have brought numbers up somewhat, but the event still was a success.

The money generated by the event, for hotdogs, water and soft drinks or bag of chips at $1 each, and T-shirts at $20, amounted to $1,500. These funds will be used by a local school for kids to have breakfast so they do not enter classes on an empty stomach.

Thank you to Aero Atelier and Bel Air Aviation for organizing this event and, of course, many thanks to all the volunteers, pilots and passengers.

— By Gus and Clara Carujo

The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Fly-In (BCATP) was held at Tillsonburg Regional Airport from June 24 to 25, 2023, which coincided with the celebration of Tillsonburg’s airport 80th anniversary.

The first day of the BCATP Fly-In encountered some weather-related issues, which temporarily grounded planes. The weather improved in the afternoon, however, culminating in the arrival of a Royal Canadian Air Force CT-156 Harvard II trainer aircraft from 15 Wing Moose Jaw. The aircraft was piloted by former CHAA pilot Ed Soye and co-pilot Leo Fletcher.

Author and historian Ted Barris was the special guest speaker on June 24. He delivered an educational and moving presentation on the Dambusters Raid.

The event featured displays from the CHAA Aircraft Recovery Team, Tillsonburg Military History Club, BCATP, and other historical exhibits. There was also a designated kids’ zone inside a hangar, as well as an outdoor area. Food trucks were present throughout the two-day event.

Among the notable arrivals on the second day were Dave Hewitt with his Beech C45 Expeditor, Steve Gray flying in with his grandson in his Fleet PT-26A Cornell, and Paul Marot arriving with his DH 82C Tiger Moth.