COPA handed out awards to deserving individuals and organizations at its annual convention and trade show in Saint John June 21-23. The President’s Award went to the B.C. General Aviation Association for its efforts to promote and support GA in the province. “Founded in 2015 by a small group of general aviation pilots, the B.C. General Aviation Association has quickly become a successful, province-wide community of pilots with over 1500 members and has become a model for similar organizations in other provinces,” said President Bernard Gervais. “Through a variety of popular initiatives such as the Survival Shakedown, Private Airstrip Access Program, trip-sharing forums, and comprehensive educational materials on topics specific to flying in B.C.’s unique environment, the B.C. General Aviation Association is consistently developing new and innovative ways to link pilots in the region, draw new members to the industry, and promote GA to the broader public.”

The convention also paid tribute to three Neil Armstrong scholarship recipients Erik Yaremkewich ($10,000 ab initio) Cody Lincoln ($3,000 continuing training) and Erik Urquhart ($2,000 continuing training). COPA Flight Editor Russ Niles announced Oshawa Flight 70 Captain Gord Mahaffy as the winner of the magazine award. Mahaffy was chosen for his reliable and responsible reporting of the activities, challenges and initiatives of his flight. Cougar Helicopters earned recognition for its support of COPA activities in Newfoundland. Merit Awards went to Dan Stringer and Jim and Jane Farrell for their tireless volunteer efforts in southern Ontario.Outgoing board members Jean Messier, Joe Hessberger, Cheryl Marek and Phil Englishman were recognized for their service to the organization.