Emilie Perron, a woman with an unwavering fascination for the sky, airplanes and flight, always dreamed about becoming a pilot and perhaps even an astronaut. Still, she thought of this aspiration as audacious, almost unobtainable. At the age of 16, an unexpected flight in a Piper Super Cub with COPA 23 Flight member Ron Miller set her journey in motion.
Trillium Aviators have become a bit of a phenomenon in Ontario over the past few years. Through Ivan Kristensen’s tireless volunteer efforts, the Trillium Aviators will be entering their sixth season of gathering like-minded pilots and aviation enthusiasts for mid weak fly outs to destinations in southern Ontario.
COPA is pleased to announce its new slate of directors. This governing body will have significant opportunities to contribute towards the future of General Aviation in Canada. Thank you to all who stepped up to help COPA navigate the challenges and opportunities on our horizon, and thank you to our outgoing board members Jim Bell, Brian Pinsent, David Sprague, Henry Vos, and Ken Zachkewich for your dedication and leadership.
August 11, 2024 saw the 33rd annual Gathering of The Classics (GOTC) at Edenvale, Ont. As with previous years, the event focuses on aircraft and classic cars. The organizers report that there were 60 aircraft that flew in, 396 automobiles, 2,000 attendees, 92 volunteers, food trucks, and vendors participating in the fly and drive in event.
Imagine combining your love of aviation with a greater purpose; to help animals in need of air transportation. Read more to learn about public benefit flying and the mission of Canadian Wings of Rescue.
COPA Flight 70, based in the Durham Region east of Toronto, is a dynamic and welcoming community for aviation enthusiasts. In recent years, this COPA Flight has seen significant growth and continues to be a welcoming community for pilots and flying enthusiasts in the region. Here’s a closer look at what makes COPA Flight 70 special, a recap of their recent and upcoming activities, and a look at the people who contribute to building this vibrant aviation community.
Earlier this year, Canada’s only national general aviation association signed an exclusive agreement with air shows across Canada to bring Canadian pilots and aviation enthusiasts together. The new partnership will offer COPA members exclusive viewing areas at acclaimed air shows across during a pivotal year for aviation as Canadians celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Aviation enthusiasts gathered to admire a variety of aircraft, including the cutting-edge electric Pipistrel Velis Electro. Discover how COPA members celebrated this exciting event and the future of aviation with innovative electric aircraft on display.
A few type clubs, such as Mooney, Beechcraft and Cessna organize mass arrivals for their aircraft type into EAA Air Venture. This year, five Canadian aircraft participated in the Cessna mass arrival. The Cessna 2 Oshkosh group has been organizing the Cessna mass arrival since 2007. The mass fly into AirVenture took place on Saturday July 20th with 64 aircraft and 46 passengers.
COPA member Anastasia Tsotroudis shares her inspiring aviation journey from her childhood fascination with planes in South Africa to becoming a pilot in Canada. She emphasizes COPA’s role in fostering community, diversity, and continuous learning in general aviation.