COPA Welcomes Tony Adey as Director-Elect for the Maritimes Region

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is pleased to welcome Tony Adey as director-elect for the Maritimes region, representing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Adey holds both a Private Pilot Licence and a Commercial Pilot Licence, with more than 580 hours of flight time since earning his licence in 2023. He is currently pursuing his multi-engine IFR and instructor ratings while also doing part-time aerial forest fire detection in Nova Scotia. He also volunteers with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) and is working toward his CASARA pilot designation.

An Inuk pilot from the north, Adey’s passion for aviation began near Runway 08 at CFB Goose Bay in Labrador, where he spent countless hours alongside his grandmother watching aircraft conduct low-level training. Growing up in an Indigenous community, flight training was financially out of reach without student loan support, leading him to pursue university studies before returning to his aviation passion. That journey continues to shape his commitment to making aviation more accessible to young Canadians, particularly those from underrepresented or remote communities.

A member of the Truro Flying Club, Adey remains actively involved in Atlantic Canada’s General Aviation community and regularly participates in aviation events throughout the Maritimes. He frequently takes youth and community members flying and is passionate about strengthening aviation outreach across the region.

Adey holds a Bachelor of Science, a Baccalaureate in Management, and an Executive MBA. He brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in Canadian post-secondary education and currently serves as Regional Manager of Student Services at Nova Scotia Community College, overseeing a broad portfolio across multiple campuses. His career has included progressive senior roles at Acadia University and Memorial University, where he gained extensive experience in strategic planning, enrolment management, budget oversight, and team leadership.

A strong advocate for accessible and safe flying, Adey is committed to ensuring that General Aviation remains vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable across the Maritimes and throughout Canada.

“Becoming Director-Elect for COPA in the Maritimes is a profound honour,” said Adey. “I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by our community of aviators who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey. I look forward to carrying the voices and perspectives of Maritime pilots to the national table and helping shape the future of General Aviation in Canada.”

Elected by acclamation in accordance with COPA’s bylaws, Adey will serve as director-elect pending ratification by the membership at the Annual General Meeting in June.

Welcome aboard, Tony!