Flying high with COPA for Kids

On Saturday, June 17, the Whitecourt Airport was bustling with activity as the Whitecourt Flying Club hosted the COPA for Kids event. COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) is a federally registered not-for-profit association that provides information and advocacy services for Canadian pilots who fly for non-commercial purposes. With roughly 17,000 members, it is ranked as the largest aviation association in Canada.

The COPA for Kids program is nationally recognized and introduces children to the excitement and wonder of flight. Thanks to the generosity of local pilots who volunteer their time and utilize their own planes, children get a chance to do something very special. Since its inception, over 23,000 young Canadians have been introduced to general aviation.

Charles Christianson was one of the 75 young flyers who took part and said it was an awesome experience. “I got to feel what it was like to fly in a plane. A smaller plane gets controlled by the wind easier so you really have to take control of that plane.” Charles also said it feels bumpier but that he likes that type of motion. “It gives me an adrenaline rush.”

Six local pilots took part in this year’s event including John Burrows (Keep It Moving), Joe Gallant, Emile Dubois, Jonas Boll (Pipistrel Canada), and Andy Moore. Each pilot ran between five and six flights with each happening right after another. It was a long morning but they all very much enjoyed doing it.

Colby Wells (Tri Hi Pressure) was also one of the pilots and said the event is a favourite. “It’s amazing and the kids are always super excited. Getting them up there and getting them to experience things that I didn’t get to experience until I was actually 35 years old. It’s pretty awesome to see the excitement and how much they enjoy the planes. It’s something I come back to every year; I do at least two or three events for the kids and I wish I could do more.”

Treasurer for the Whitecourt Flying Club, event organizer, and pilot himself, Curtis Brownlee has flown in past COPA for Kids events but this year ran everything from the ground. He said the morning started with some education first. “We do a ground school for the kids. They are introduced to the plane, all the parts, what to touch, and what not to do.” The circuit the pilots followed this year was out to Carson Lake and back over town.

After their flights, kids and their families could grab a bite to eat. Councillor Eris Moncur, VP of Operations and GM of the Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza, was on hand cooking up burgers and hot dogs for attendees.  “Eagle River Casino is putting on the barbecue and its one of the few chances that I get to cook,” laughed Eris, “it’s been a lot of fun.”

Children who took part in the flights can see their group picture at www.whitecourtflyingclub.com.