Youth Intro to Aviation Returns to Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport

From ground school basics to soaring above Lake Erie, young Canadians aged eight to twenty-five are invited to experience aviation firsthand during COPA’s upcoming Discovery Day.

Following a highly successful event in 2024, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Discover Aviation (DA) program is set to return soon. DA is planned for Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will take place at the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport (aka Welland Airport). COPA Flight 149 is hosting the event.

Doug Reilly, COPA Flight 149, Discover Aviation Coordinator, said, “We are very excited about our August 16th Discover Aviation Day. Over the last three years, we have had over 300 young people introduced to the magic of flight. We are able to accommodate 100 of them for this year’s program and are now accepting registrations for August 16, 2025!”

“This is an opportunity for young people, aged eight to 25 years old, to experience the joy of flight, up close and personally, in a small airplane. After the experience we gained last few years, we can comfortably accommodate 100 would-be aviators.”

There will be a mini ground school where the prospective aviators will get a chance to go over an airplane to discuss the various components and find out just how a plane is able to fly. There will also be a small static display with a couple of planes so the kids can familiarize themselves before they go for their actual flight.

Siblings and parents are welcome to come and take in the ground portion of the adventure.

The flights are about 20 minutes in duration, to explore a portion of the Welland Canal, the Lake Erie shoreline, and towns in the local vicinity. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Meridian Credit Union, Niagara Central Airport Commission and Canadian Tire. Welland , the flights are free of charge and are conducted by COPA Flight 149 pilots who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your discovery flight possible. Each pilot is a member of COPA, licensed by Transport Canada and all the aircraft utilized meet the regulatory requirements to safely fly your loved ones.