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Board of Directors Candidate Profile
Dave McLean’s passion for aviation is deeply embedded in his DNA. Not only is he an active general aviation pilot and community member, he is also the son of a retired airline captain, cousin to a former CF-18 pilot, and grandson to a World War II RCAF veteran.
Dave earned his private pilot’s license in the late 1990s as a teenager but the combination of cost and time commitments led to fewer flying hours over the years. Like many mid-life pilots, Dave’s passion for flying never faded and after finishing a degree, starting a family, and building a successful career, he finally returned to flying in 2018 – thanks to some timely ‘rusty wings’ advice from the COPA website.
Recent aviation highlights include:
- Over 600 hours total time, with 150 hours in tailwheel aircraft.
- Commercial pilot’s license with a Class IV instructor rating.
- Active promotion of general aviation through the Alberta General Aviation Facebook community and Flying Alberta social media accounts.
- Co-organizer of the “That Night in the Woods” aviation survival exercise.
- Shareholder in a 1995 ACA Super Decathlon.
- President of the Western Wings Flying Club.
- Member of the Calgary Flying Club.
As President of the Western Wings Flying Club, Dave has gained valuable insight into the challenges faced by aircraft owners and operators. These experiences have shaped a strong commitment to nurturing an affordable, inclusive, and sustainable general aviation community.
Dave’s vision as a COPA Director is to inspire the next generation of aviators. Believing that general aviation thrives when youth are actively engaged, he is dedicated to sparking curiosity and creating accessible pathways to flight.
As a marketing and communications professional, Dave offers a unique skill set to help COPA bridge the gap between seasoned pilots and newcomers to aviation. His goal is to strengthen COPA’s role in reinforcing the value general aviation delivers to Canada and its communities.
Despite our differences, we are all united by a passion for flying. I believe COPA has the power to adapt to our changing society while still honouring the legacy of its existing members to bring a united voice about the importance of general aviation to all Canadians.