Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA)

"For over forty years, COPA has used its resources to promote aviation so that Canadians may progress economically and socially through benefits that the airplane will continue to provide." 

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association is a membership-driven organization that is recognized as the voice of general aviation in Canada. COPA supports and defends the right of Canadians to enjoy the freedom to fly. The idea of forming a non-profit, democratically constituted organization to represent pilots and aircraft owners was conceived in April of 1952. Letters patent were issued over the seal of the Secretary of State for Canada in 1954.

COPA represents the collective view of pilots and private aircraft operators to all levels and branches of government, to other organizations and to the public.

One of COPA's main functions is the dissemination of aviation information to its members. In 1954, COPA began publishing a monthly COPA newsletter and a magazine titled "Canadian Flight". In 1964, COPA started a monthly newspaper called "Canadian General Aviation News". Over the next 30 years, the newspaper expanded to become a forum for all general aviation in Canada from ultralight flying to corporate aviation. In 1994, the newspaper, which had become the largest aviation publication in Canada, was renamed "Canadian Flight". At that time, COPA began publishing its "Canadian Flight Annual", a unique directory of information for flying in Canada.

COPA provides services for specialty aviation groups. In 1957, COPA formed the first volunteer civilian search and rescue organization, called the Emergency Air Corps. In the early 1960's, COPA assisted with the formation and the initial administration of the Canadian Business Aircraft Association. In 1985, COPA agreed to supply the Ultralight Pilots Association of Canada with a monthly newspaper. COPA assumed the administration of the Canadian Seaplane Association in 1996.

A network of local chapters of COPA, called COPA Flights, was started in 1964. By 1997, there were over forty COPA Flights fostering recreational aviation in local communities across Canada. In 1995 COPA Flights became official participants in the Young Eagles Program, an Experimental Aircraft Association initiative to offer youngsters age 8 to 17 an aviation experience, including a flight.

The COPA Flight Safety Foundation, funded by member donations, was established to assist the promotion of pilot safety through seminars and a Flight Safety Bulletin published in Canadian Flight.

The COPA Special Action Fund, established in the late 1970's by long-time President Russ Beach, is also funded by member donations. This fund pays legal expenses incurred from contesting actions which are considered to be contrary to the best interests of aviation. In 1997, the fund topped $l million.

COPA is the Trustee of the Governor General's Cup. This is awarded annually to the winner of a national amateur air rally. This rally is held in various parts of Canada, often in conjunction with COPA's annual convention.

COPA maintains a system of annual awards to recognize excellence in aviation in Canada. The association's top honour is the COPA President's Award, presented annually to the person or persons who made a significant contribution to general aviation in Canada in recent years.

COPA holds an annual convention and general meeting, giving members an opportunity to get together, learn more about aviation and to give feedback directly to the association's directors. This format is repeated at less formal regional events called COPA Rendezvous.

In 1995 COPA set up a Memorial Scholarship in Nell Armstrong's name, to be awarded to a student who has maintained a high standard of achievement and leadership. The first scholarship was presented at the COPA Annual General Meeting in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1996. Neil Armstrong was a long-time member of COPA, and one of its early Presidents. He was inducted as a Member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1974.

The Belt of Orion Award for Excellence was bestowed upon the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association in 1993 at a ceremony held at Edmonton, Alberta.

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association is governed by a board of directors, either elected or appointed. Geographical regions across Canada are represented by directors who are nominated and elected by members. Other directors are appointed to represent specialized aviation associations. Aside from essential travel expenses, COPA’s directors serve without financial compensation. The head office of the organization is in Ottawa, Ontario.