By Lauren Nagel

At AirVenture 2018, COPA partnered with Transport Canada in the “Canadian Corner” of the International Federal Pavilion, talking about the General Aviation Safety Campaign. The booth was a resource to the hundreds of Canadians present, providing tips for crossing the border and updates on coming regulations. Additionally, hundreds of American and international visitors to the booth were given information on how to fly to Canada. Next to us, Nav Canada answered questions about flying in Canada’s airspace and other air navigation topics. We are proud to say that over the course of the week we met many people from various countries and had the opportunity to demystify flying in Canada and promote Canadian GA.

The highlight of the week at the booth was an informal meet and greet with retired astronaut, musician, and COPA’s official spokesperson Col. Chris Hadfield, who met with hundreds of fans at the booth on Wednesday. Col. Hadfield also performed a concert at Theatre in the Woods with his brother, Dave, who recently released a new album “Climbin’ Away”. Canada’s GA community is fortunate to have a representative like Col. Hadfield, whose enthusiasm and passion for GA was clearly evident as he took photos, signed autographs, and even filmed videos with everyone present.

In keeping with tradition, COPA hosted its annual “Canadian Oshkosh Party” on Tuesday night at the Partner Resource Center. Over 500 Canadians and other friends came for a refreshing evening of drinks, food, fun, and prizes. Eric Urquhart, one of the winners of the 2018 Neil Armstrong Scholarship, was on hand and spoke of how he is using his scholarship to pay for his float rating. COPA flights from all over the country were represented as well as the 99s and many youth members. The evening was filled with pride and community for all who made the journey and gathered with fellow Canadians. If you couldn’t make it this year, be sure to stop by in 2019!

We would also like to say a big congratulations to all the Canadians who won various awards in the aircraft judging events. Your time and effort invested in your aircraft is exceptional and we are proud to have you represent the best of Canadian GA:

Outstanding Taylorcraft – Scott McFadden from Thunder Bay, Ontario and his 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D, CF-CLR.

Outstanding Limited Production – Simon Drouin from Saint-Georges, Quebec, and his 1954 Helio Courier, CG-OOI.

The Phoenix Warbird Award – Michael Potter from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and his Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, CGYQQ. (Gold Wrench, Vintech Aero, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada)

World War II Reserve Grand Champion – Silver Lindy – Michael Potter and his Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, CGYQQ.

Silver Lindy for Seaplanes: Michael Potter from Ottawa, Ontario and his de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, C-GUPM.

For more photos, check out our Facebook page