Stronger, Smarter Advocacy
Effective advocacy isn’t about volume. It’s about credibility, preparation, and sustained engagement.
For COPA to remain influential, we must strengthen communication between national leadership and local COPA Flights. Chapters are where general aviation actually lives: on the ramp, in the hangar, at monthly meetings. Advocacy is strongest when local concerns are heard early and reflected clearly at the national level. Information must move both ways. That feedback loop builds unity and strategic alignment.
We must also defend access to airspace, especially for VFR pilots, with discipline and foresight. Proactive engagement with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and other stakeholders is essential, particularly during airspace reviews and aeronautical studies that shape long-term access. Waiting until decisions are finalized is not a strategy.
(G0284/26 NOTAMR G4262/25
A) CYTZ B) 2602051741 C) 2605051700EST
E) DUE TO REDUCED SYSTEM CAPACITY AND ANTICIPATED TFC DEMANDS,
VFR TRAINING AND SIGHTSEEING FLT AVBL PPR EMAIL:
CYTZ(UNDERSCORE)PPR(UNDERSCORE)REQUEST(A)NAVCANADA.CA)
(F0853/26 NOTAMN
A) CYBW B) 2602261500 C) 2602262359
E) DUE TO REDUCED SYSTEM CAPACITY:
LIMITATIONS IN EFFECT WITHIN THE CALGARY/SPRINGBANK (CYBW) CTL
ZONE CLASS C AIRSPACE: VFR TRAINING FLT MAY EXP DLA UP TO 30MIN.INNER TWR WILL OPR ON FREQ 118.2MHZ)
At the same time, emerging aviation users, including RPAS operators, should not be viewed as outsiders. They are part of an evolving aviation ecosystem. By inviting them into constructive dialogue and into membership, COPA strengthens its influence rather than fragmenting it.
| Year | RPAS Certificates (All Types) | Pilot Licences (All types) |
| 2023* | 84,341 | 24,721 |
| 2024* | 107,192 | 25,007 |
| 2025 | 149,275* | 54,000* |
Transparency matters just as much as strategy. Members deserve clear summaries of advocacy outcomes — where we succeeded, where compromises were necessary, and where work remains. Honest reporting builds trust and allows members to understand how their association is performing.
Finally, policy discussions around climate and emissions must reflect evidence. General aviation represents a small fraction of national emissions, yet often faces disproportionate scrutiny. Our advocacy should communicate that reality clearly while supporting practical innovation and responsible modernization within our sector.
That is the approach I believe COPA needs moving forward. If this resonates with you, I ask for your support in the upcoming Board election.
If you care about the future of general aviation in Canada, becoming a COPA member is one of the most direct ways to support it. Membership strengthens our collective voice and helps protect the freedoms we value. If you are already a member: Thank You!
Voting in this year’s Board election runs from March 30 and close on April 10, 2026. I encourage all eligible members to take part. Information on how to vote will be sent to your email.