Oshawa Invites Girls to Take Flight

Originally posted on Gusair Photography. Photo credit Gus & Clara - Gusair.

The Girls Take Flight Event, which was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 27, had to be rescheduled due to rain. The event took place on the rain date, Sunday, April 28, at Enterprise Airlines, located at Oshawa Executive Airport.

Despite the less-than-promising weather conditions on Sunday, all the volunteers were determined to make this event a success. With 11 aircraft and 12 pilots, it’s truly remarkable what the event accomplished, especially considering that almost half of the volunteers were unavailable due to the rescheduling.

Lesley Page, event organizer said "the weather halted the flights halfway through the day, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the passengers waiting for their flights or the volunteers. If pilots aren’t flying, they love talking about flying, so while we waited for the weather to clear (which it didn’t!), we entertained and educated the crowd with aviation facts and anecdotes."

 

Ninety-two passengers had the opportunity to experience the freedom of flying in a small aircraft before the day had to be called off due to rain. Although there were a few disappointed faces, their spirits were lifted knowing they would get a second chance on June 15, 2024, at the COPA Discover Aviation event at Enterprise Airlines, Oshawa Executive Airport.

"Diversity and youth are lacking in aviation," mentioned Page. "Events like Girls Take Flight and COPA Discover Aviation address both issues, thereby helping to ensure the future health of aviation."

The event was attended and supported by a team of volunteers from local COPA Flight 70 - Durham Region, who is hosting their Discover Aviation event in a few weeks. Rick Nihda, Captain of COPA Flight 70 said Girls Take Flight in Oshawa continues to be a fantastic community event and celebration of aviation for females, of all ages. "I applaud the on-going efforts of Lesley and Jeff Page, along with our Durham Region (Oshawa) volunteers, as well as all of those that came from farther away that equally value this event by donating their time and resources. I'm hopeful for better weather next year so that no participants wanting to experience the joys of personal aviation will be turned away. I look forward to growing Girls Take Flight in future years along with our COPA 70 Discover Aviation event taking place Saturday June 15, also taking place at the Oshawa Executive Airport, in conjunction with Durham Flight Centre." 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication, as well as to the pilots for generously donating their aircraft, time, and fuel. This well-organized and executed event brought big smiles to the faces of all the participants. Last but not least, a special shout-out to Lesley and Jeff Page for their continuous support of Girls Take Flight and general aviation as a whole.