President's Corner: COPA Strategic Priorities

In 2023, COPA’s Board of Directors developed a strategic plan to guide the association’s efforts and ensure that every action we take serves a clear purpose. This roadmap was revised last year to strengthen and sustain General Aviation in Canada, reinforcing COPA’s commitment to its members and the aviation community at large. If you haven’t had a chance to explore the 2025 plan yet, I encourage you to read it on COPA’s website.

At its core, COPA’s mission is simple: To preserve, promote, and inspire General Aviation in Canada. Every initiative we undertake—from training materials to advocacy campaigns—is driven by this mission. While some members may wonder about COPA’s direction at times, every initiative is guided by our true purpose: adding value to your membership. COPA’s goal and the underlying goal of the strategic plan, in very simple terms, is to connect members, to communicate to members, and to advocate for members.

We recognize that being a pilot is about more than just flying. It’s about developing a connection to a community, to a lifestyle, and to a deep-seated passion for the skies. That’s why COPA is not only focused on keeping our members informed and engaged but also on creating opportunities for meaningful interactions through social events, safety programs, and member-exclusive benefits that add tangible value to your aviation journey.

Our vision does not stop at serving you, our members. We are also committed to ensuring that General Aviation continues to thrive in Canada. This means restoring the magic and romance of flight to inspire the next generation of aviators, advocating for increased accessibility in both economic and practical terms, and building public awareness of the vital role that aviation plays in communities across the country.

Advocacy remains a key cornerstone of our mission. COPA is the only national association dedicated to championing General Aviation at all levels of government. Our goal is to advocate for policies that benefit pilots, and ensure that decision-makers understand the significance of General Aviation to Canada’s economy and social fabric. From attending municipal airport meetings to consulting on national regulatory changes, COPA is actively engaged in keeping aviation a priority for our elected officials.

A key part of this work is providing members with the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves and their local aviation communities. When you participate in a COPA Flight, attend a town hall meeting, or engage with policymakers, you contribute to the success of General Aviation in Canada. Elected officials need to have a face associated with General Aviation so when they look up and see a small airplane in the sky, they can picture that it might be you flying and enjoying the experience that only piloting an aircraft can bring. It’s up to all of us to make sure they recognize that General Aviation matters.

Communication is another vital piece of the puzzle. COPA has been building a network of engaging channels to keep members informed and connected, with the recent launch of our virtual Members Connect webinars and the upcoming launch of our podcast. Whether it’s through our digital platforms, newsletters, or in-person events, we want to ensure that members have direct access to COPA’s initiatives, updates, and resources.

Ultimately, the success of General Aviation in Canada depends on all of us. COPA’s strategic priorities reflect not only the needs of the aviation community today but also the vision for a thriving future. When we have a vibrant and sustainable General Aviation industry in Canada, we will have a vibrant and sustainable future for all aviation in Canada. General Aviation is the starting point for every pilot and flying enthusiast.

We are COPA, and Aviation Starts Here.