Group photo at the 2023 North Port Fly-in. Photo courtesy of Gusair.
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. In line with their commitment to advancing general aviation and ensuring safety for all those who use the airspace, COPA Flight 70 has recently made generous donations to the COPA Flight Safety Foundation and the Freedom to Fly Fund, demonstrating their commitment to supporting both local and national aviation safety initiatives. 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.
What is COPA Flight 70 known for?
COPA Flight 70 is recognized for its inclusivity, welcoming everyone with an interest in aviation. The chapter’s social gatherings are known for their informal atmosphere, where members share their passion for aviation throughout a busy schedule of events throughout the year. In recent years and under the leadership of Captain Rick Nihda, COPA Flight 70 aims to always be inclusive, encouraging anyone with an interest in aviation to participate in events and activities organized by the local aviation community.
How many members are currently in COPA Flight 70?
When Rick Nihda assumed the role of Captain, COPA Flight 70 had about 25 members. Today, the chapter boasts 92 active members, including over 30 student members enjoying one-year free memberships, with numbers continuing to rise. In keeping with COPA National’s policy on student memberships, COPA 70 also offers a free 1 year membership to students as well as participation in their Mentor Program (a $35 value).
How did COPA 70 build this growing membership?
COPA Flight 70 has focused on creating a strong, inclusive community. They hosted meet and greets at the two Oshawa flight schools and organized Coffee & Timbits events on the tarmac by the T-hangars at CYOO during the summer. Their Annual Fly-In at a private grass strip and water aerodrome in August has become a highlight, alongside fly-out events and engaging speakers at monthly meetings. These efforts have been key in attracting and retaining members. COPA 70 is also an active participant in several local aviation events, including the annual Girls Take Flight event organized by COPA member Lesley Page.
COPA 70 members at the inaugural COPA Flight 70 Cafe in April, 2023. Photo courtesy of COPA Flight 70.
Who are some notable members of COPA Flight 70?
COPA Flight 70 is home to several distinguished members, including Dave Sprague, the previous COPA Director for Southern Ontario, among other notable members including Bob Kisin, Jeff & Lesley Page, Norm Mills, Wayne Ellis, Gord Mahaffy, Howie Schmelzer, Manfred Harder, Randy Domm, Bill Hrynkiw, Allan Lakas (CFI Durham Flight Centre), and Stephen Wilcox (COPA Director for Southern Ontario and Airport Manager at CYOO).
At aviation events in the area such as the annual Girls Take Flight event, COPA Flight 70 actively engages with local elected officials. These connections are important for fostering support for the chapter’s aviation initiatives.
COPA 70 at the 2023 Girls Take Flight event. Left to right: Bob Chapman, Ward 3 Regional & City Councillor, Oshawa/Durham Region; Stephen Wilcox, COPA Director for Southern Ontario and Airport Manager, CYOO; Doug Ronan, COPA Director for Southern Ontario and chairman of the board; Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Ward 2 Regional & City Councillor Durham Region/Oshawa; Rick Nihda, Captain and President COPA Flight 70; and Dan Carter, Mayor, City of Oshawa. Photo courtesy of COPA Flight 70.
Volunteers at the 2024 Discover Aviation event hosted by COPA Flight 70. Photo courtesy of COPA Flight 70.
What annual events does COPA Flight 70 host or participate in?
COPA Flight 70 hosts the Annual Fly-In/Drive-In at North-Port Seagrave Airport, with the 4th edition scheduled for August 17th, 2024 (rain date: August 18th). The event attracted over 100 attendees last year. The chapter also participates in events like Girls Take Flight and hosts an annual Discover Aviation. More photos and details can be found in the gallery at COPA70.com. This year, COPA Flight 70 members also look forward to attending the RCAF Association’s 420 Wing Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, September 21. The breakfast will potentially be followed by fly-outs for lunch if the weather permits.
COPA 70 is also involved in the Durham Region community, where it has recently partnered with Feed-The-Need in Durham, a regional food bank that supports over 68 local food banks. The chapter recognizes the growing concern of food insecurity and is committed to contributing to the community’s well-being.