Recognizing a Community of Leaders: COPA’s 2024 Award Winners
Each year, COPA’s Volunteer Awards Program honours the remarkable individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the advancement of general aviation in Canada. This year, we are proud to announce the 21 recipients of the various COPA Volunteer Awards. Please join us in celebrating their achievements and their contributions to the general aviation community across Canada.
The John Bogie Memorial Award was presented to Michael Bellamy of Edmonton, Alb., for his steadfast leadership of his local COPA Flight 176 (COPA Edmonton Association) and for his passion in inspiring and engaging the future generation of Canadian pilots.
The COPA President’s Award was presented to Horst and Claudine Romani of Pitt Meadows, B.C., for their roles in organizing one of the most well-attended and successful Discover Aviation events in 2023. Horst and Claudine are members of COPA Flight 16 (Aero Club of BC) and are avid aviation enthusiasts and lifetime supporters of growing the general aviation community.
The COPA Editor’s Award was presented to Mike Sattler of New Westminster, B.C., for his multiple contributions to the COPA Flight magazine. Mike’s articles involve writing about bush and floatplane flying, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
The COPA Chair’s Award was presented to Robert ‘Bob’ Gillis of Miramichi, N.B., for his active role in organizing multiple community events promoting general aviation. Bob’s most recent contribution was organizing the 2024 Aviation Day, an airport open day that annually welcomes upwards of 2,000 attendees.
This year, the COPA Flight Excellence Award was presented to COPA Flight 65, the Vernon Flying Club in South Central British Columbia. Under the leadership of club president Art Ratte, COPA Flight 65 organized multiple GA events exposing the local community, particularly youth, to the joy of flight.
The COPA Board of Directors also recognizes the following individuals through the COPA Directors’ Awards for their contributions to advancing, promoting, and preserving Canadians’ freedom to fly in their respective regions:
- Harvey Epp, British Columbia, awarded for a lifetime of instilling passion for flight and sharing his expertise to support his local aviation community.
- Rob McDicken, B.C, awarded for his role as an active community organizer of multiple general aviation events, including Discover Aviation days.
- Vicki Lefrançois, Alb., awarded for her tole in heading and growing the Peace Regional Airshow Association and overseeing multiple GA events in her community.
- Eldon Gjesdal, Alb., awarded for a lifetime of support to his local aviation community and his support for COPA Flight 176 – Edmonton, and 220 – Alberta Air Tours).
- Dr. Trent Rae, Sask., awarded for his active role in organizing multiple GA events and his leadership as Captain of COPA Flight 182 – Melfort.
- Craig Skonberg, Man., awarded for over 20 years of service as airport manager of St. Andrews Airport (CYAV), Manitoba’s main general aviation airport. During Craig’s tenure, the airport expanded, with many hangars being built and new facilities installed.
- Rick Nihda, Ont., awarded for his role in growing the GA community in the Durham Region through events like Discover Aviation and Girls Take Flight.
- Bill Snelgrove, Ont., awarded for his leadership of COPA Flight 73 – Hurnoia, organizing multiple regional fly-ins and Discover Aviation events.
- Doug Reilly, Ont., awarded for actively promoting GA through organizing aviation events for the Welland community through COPA Flight 149 – Welland.
- Daniel Morissette, Que., awarded for 40 years of support to the GA community through involvement with regional and national organizations like Hope Air, SERABEC, and CASARA.
- Bryan Hood, N. L., awarded for his enthusiasm in supporting general aviation in his local community through his involvement with COPA Flight 97 – Avalon, and his efforts in maintaining the historic Harbour Grace Airfield as a living museum.
COPA members also nominated five individuals for the COPA Appreciation Awards, an award that recognizes efforts to support GA in Canada. This year, Jim Thoreson and Dave McLean were awarded for their roles in helping organize “That Night in the Woods”, a survival camp event held in Sundre, Alb. Kimberley Williams, from Penticton, B.C., and Gord Cormick, Brantford, Ont., were awarded for their roles in organizing GA events in their respective communities. William Stewart, from Grand Prairie, Alb., was recognized for his advocacy and support of small airports.
Congratulations to all the award recipients for their remarkable contributions to general aviation. As we celebrate their achievements, we encourage you to start thinking about who you would nominate for next year's awards!