COPA Canada

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is the national voice of general aviation in Canada, with its office in Ottawa, Ontario. It supports pilots and aircraft owners and works to keep general aviation healthy across the country.

COPA was founded in 1952, so it has been active for more than 70 years. It has about 10,000 members and nearly 200 local COPA Flight chapters. These link pilots from coast to coast. COPA belongs to the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations, a nonprofit group of national general aviation bodies that has existed since 1962.

Advocacy is a core part of its work. COPA speaks for general aviation to government, regulators and industry. It tracks rule changes and works on medical issues, airport issues and air traffic services. It meets regularly with NAV CANADA about service levels and airspace changes. It also collects reports from members who have been denied service.

COPA helps people get into flying. Its Discover Aviation program and its Learn to Fly guide help newcomers start. The COPA Aviation Academy, launched in 2023, offers online training so pilots can stay current or learn new skills. A Places to Fly map helps pilots plan trips. Members can find a local COPA Flight and join fly-ins, seminars, webinars and an annual convention.

Members receive a national aviation magazine, a newsletter and a podcast. Canadian Flight, the national publication, started in 1954. The association also runs member savings and an insurance program built for Canadian pilots. It supports an awards program and scholarships for future aviators. Its marketplace includes a plane trading site and a shop.

COPA's history includes the creation of the chapter network in 1964 and the COPA Flight Safety Foundation in 1973. Membership is open to people with or without a licence and with or without an aircraft.

Services

• General aviation advocacy
• Learn to Fly guidance
• COPA Aviation Academy online training
• Local COPA Flight chapters
• Events and fly-ins
• Awards and scholarships
• Member savings
• Insurance program
• Flight magazine and podcast
• Canadian Plane Trade marketplace