COPA and CWHM: 2 "Outstanding Organizations!"

COPA stands for the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. It's mission is to support and defend the right of Canadians to enjoy the freedom of Canadian airspace. Since its founding in 1952, COPA has been dedicated to opening doors and removing barriers to the growth of aviation, and we in the industry know what a battle that has been, with the "adversarial attitude" the Canadian Government has had to all aviation in Canada since day 1. COPA raises the awareness of important issues facing the flying community, promotes air safety through education, and works to lower the cost of flying. Like I said, a fine organization, with fine leadership.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ten Important Reasons Why Canadian Pilots Should Be Members Of COPA

By joining COPA you support an association that:

1. Works diligently to protect your rights and privileges to enjoy the freedom of Canadian airspace.
2. Strives for a minimum number of regulations and the reduction of government control over General Aviation.
3. Attempts to lower the cost of flying to make General Aviation a more practical means of personal transportation for Canadians.
4, Communicates on a daily basis with government departments to make legislators and regulators aware of the importance of drafting only progressive rules and regulations.
5. Promotes greater air safety through education and information.
6. Assists all other General Aviation organizations to meet their respective aims and objectives.
7. Believes in giving all members their say in how the organization should be run.
8. Helps to make the benefits of General Aviation more understandable and acceptable to the public in order to garner their support.
9. Is dedicated to improve flying facilities from coast to coast.
10. Supports you, the COPA Member.
----------------- -------------------- ----------------------

COPA also has some excellent insurance coverage for GA and Commercial Pilots, because in Canada it is hard to get decent insurance through the regular insurance companies if you are a pilot. Why, I don't know, the days of "wing-walking" are long gone, and the death rate through accidents for pilots is much less than that of farm-workers. Anyway, I have insurance through COPA, and it is affordable, and has been hassle-free.

COPA each year sends out a calendar produced by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM), and once again the photos are stunning. I still have the 2005 calendar, and I thought I would show the photos, as they are a "dog's breakfast" of different aircraft types, and each one immaculate. Without further rambling, here are the CWHM Calendar Photos of 2005/2006.


 


The Cessna Crane was also a trainer for the BCATP. This aircraft was built in 1942, and flew with 4 and 11 SFTSs in Saskatoon and Yorkton, Saskatchewan. 


I can feel the anticipation in the crew as they cross the channel and head for Germany.....  


 


 


Constructed in 1942 by the National Steel Car Company in Toronto under license, this aircraft was used for target-towing, navigation training, communications, and search and rescue. 


 


The RCAF chose the North American F-86 "Sabre" to use in it's commitment to Nato in Europe. The Sabres were built in Montreal by Canadair.  


 


 


 


 


 


 


Named after the University, it was the export version of the AT-6 "Texan", and was used by the BCATP in Canada and the RAF in Britain to train fighter and fighter/bomber pilots. 


The standard advanced trainer for the BCATP and the RAF. The RCAF kept the Harvard on strength as a trainer until 1966.This aircraft was built by Canadian Car and Foundry in 1951. 


 


Canada's first operational jet, from 1948 to 1956. 85 "Vampires" served with the RCAF. 


 


 


Imagine the "throaty music" these 2 thoroughbreds and their radial engines would make.......... 


What a beauty! 


 
------------------ ---------------------- ----------------------

There you have it. Fantastic photography, tremendous aircraft, and I'd give my "left nut" to fly any one of them. COPA and the CWHM are 2 great organizations. Check them out.

WEBSITE - Canadian Owners and Pilots Association

WEBSITE - Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum