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FRElevate Aviation Presents: A sit down with Lori Duthie
I've been fortunate to be surrounded by aviation and great mentors throughout my life. This exposure kept me motivated to pursue a career in aviation, even when life choices temporarily delayed my journey. One of my best decisions was volunteering with the Canadian International Air Show (Toronto Airshow) for the past 30 years. It was this airshow that first sparked my passion for aviation and inspired me to become a pilot.
In 2024, I was honoured to be selected as an Elevate Aviation Inspire recipient, an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Visiting their facility at CYEG opened my eyes to the incredible impact they have on the industry. Elevate Aviation is transforming lives through training, bursaries, cross-country tours, mentorships, and competitions, creating countless opportunities in aerospace. What stands out most is their unwavering commitment to inclusivity—welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, religion, or economic status. Their dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has a place in aerospace is truly inspiring. This mission aligns perfectly with our goals at the Airshow.
I am also incredibly proud to be a member of COPA, a longstanding pillar of the General Aviation (GA) community. COPA has been a great way for me to stay up to date with GA news and receive access to current safety seminars. It's an incredible community of like-minded folks from all walks of life with a shared passion.
The Airshow team and I share a strong commitment to inspiring the next generation. With fewer military and General Aviation airports in the Greater Toronto Area, access to diverse aircraft has diminished. Fortunately, our partnerships with Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (CYTZ) and Toronto Pearson Airport (CYYZ) allow us to bring in incredible aircraft from across North America and beyond.
I spent most of my career working in the airlines in various operational and management positions from ramp manager to labour relations. This experience gave me a better perspective on the hands-on requirements to keep aircraft moving, as well as the business side of overseeing a huge organization. Shortly after this, the Airshow was looking for a new Executive Director. Having spent the past 30 years as part of the volunteer and volunteer management team it was a smooth transition. Like many airshows, our success relies on dedicated volunteers. Getting involved in aviation events, airport open houses, or organizations like Elevate Aviation and COPA is a great way to stay connected to opportunities in the industry.
As we each evolve in our aviation journeys, we must help the next generation. We all remember our first time watching the Snowbirds, mastering radio calls, or flying solo. I make an effort to recognize that spark in a young person’s eye, take the time to talk with them, and, if possible, show them around a hangar or share a fun fact to fuel their passion.
Encouraging youth in aviation isn’t just about one demographic—it’s about opening doors for all young people. At a recent Women in Aviation event, I reminded attendees that nearly a century has passed since Canada’s first female pilot, AME, and air traffic controller earned their credentials. Those barriers no longer exist. Today, we must empower young people to see that the aerospace industry welcomes them. With a shortage of new pilots, controllers, AMEs, and other professionals in Canada, it’s critical to inspire the next generation.
Supporting organizations like Elevate Aviation and COPA, which focus on outreach and engagement, is one way to do this. By making young people aware of the vast opportunities in aviation, we can ensure a strong and thriving industry for years to come.