Why paying to land might actually be good for Canadian aviation. Want to start an argument among pilots? Bring up landing fees. Few things irritate general aviation pilots more than being charged $20, $30, or $50 simply to land an airplane. Flying is already expensive enough. Why should we have to pay just to use…
Congratulations! You’ve earned your pilot’s licence. You’ve survived the written exam, mastered your landings (mostly), and can finally take your friends and family flying without an instructor sitting beside you. You’ve probably already started planning those $200 hamburger runs, weekend getaways, and trips to airports you’ve always wanted to visit. But eventually, you might find…
A flying buddy of mine asked if there was a way to display all of the practice areas that are used by the local flight schools. I created this ForeFlight Content pack for you to upload to your iPad. Clicking on the point inside the practice area will bring up an option to view “More…
At uncontrolled airports, everyone has an opinion about the “right” way to join the circuit. Some pilots love the overhead join, yet others treat straight-ins like a war crime. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that there is no law that tells you what method to use. It is all just recommendations from…
In November 2023, Nav Canada introduced the “Trigger NOTAM”. So called trigger because they don’t contain detailed information to the pilot in the NOTAM it self. But “triggers” you to look up the information in a secondary source: usually an AIP Supplement. In other words: Something important exists outside the NOTAM system. Go look here…
Correction (Apr. 2026): An earlier version of this post incorrectly suggested the new IFR recency requirements came into force in May 2026. On review of SOR/2025-241 and the consolidated Canadian Aviation Regulations, the amendments to CAR 401.05 came into force on December 17, 2025. The May timing appears to have arisen from confusion with delayed…
Nav Canada just published AIC 008/2026, which outlines the airspace restrictions in Toronto during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period (June 12 to July 7, 2026). VFR Flight Restrictions VFR Flights will not be permitted in the CYTZ control zone for 6 hours during game days. An exception will only be made for Medevac flights…
General aviation is entering a period of real change. The transition away from leaded avgas is gaining momentum, with the United States targeting a phase-out by 2030. For many aircraft, 100LL remains essential today, but that reality is beginning to shift. Replacement fuels are emerging, but they bring questions around certification, availability, and cost. Canadian…
Aviation is one of the rare communities where knowledge moves forward person-to-person. Through instructors, mentors, and the countless hangar conversations that shape how we fly and how we think about aviation. That tradition is powerful. But it only works if the next generation feels welcomed and sees a clear reason to participate. Many new pilots…
Over the past few weeks I’ve been reaching out to COPA Flights across Southern Ontario. My goal has been simple: listen to what local chapters are seeing on the ground. One reply I received recently stuck with me. The writer explained that many members of their Flight don’t own aircraft. For them, the chapter functions…