First “Wrench The Dream” Grants Awarded at Sexsmith Airfield

Norm Paterson with Kuai and Jacobs

The August 12th meeting of COPA Flight Chapter 177, Exeter Ontario, was crowded. In addition to the regular members, friends, family and co-workers of Joy Kuai and Shane Jacobs attended to see them awarded with the first “Wrench The Dream” grants.

The “Wrench The Dream” grants are a new project to support apprentices on their journey to becoming licensed aviation maintenance engineers with Transport Canada—a profession currently facing a shortage in Canada. These engineers are crucial for conducting mandatory annual inspections on certified aircraft and maintaining aviation safety.

Joy Kuai, employed at Team Aviation (Stratford Airport), will use her grant to purchase essential tools and study materials. Shane Jacobs, working at XU Aviation (London Airport), has a special interest in maintaining vintage wood-and-fabric aircraft. Both recipients are graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Fanshawe College and intend to write their final licensing exams next year.

COPA Chapter 177 has a longstanding commitment to welcoming newcomers to aviation, exemplified by nine years of awarding the “Fly The Dream” scholarship to aspiring pilots, in partnership with the Jeremy Mason Memorial Fund. The launch of “Wrench The Dream” was supplemented with a generous, unexpected contribution from the Sexsmith Pilot’s Association, which owns and operates the Sexsmith Airfield. Organizations interested in supporting future grants can contact the COPA 177 Treasurer.