Live Q&A: Meet The Candidate
Date: Thu, March 19, 2026
Time: 19:00 ET
Campaign statements are one thing but conversation is another. Join me live for a Q&A where you can get to know me beyond the written platform. I’m happy to answer questions about my experience, priorities, and approach to serving on the Board. Open to all COPA members.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it. I’ll post a recording after the session.
I’m a private pilot based in Southern Ontario, flying regularly throughout the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe region. As an aircraft owner of a Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six, I have firsthand experience with the realities of maintenance, insurance, hangar access, and cross-border GA travel.
My professional background is in technology, where I build data-driven systems that simplify complex problems and improve organizational performance. I’m running for the COPA Board because general aviation in Canada is changing rapidly and COPA must evolve with it. I believe in proactive advocacy, clear governance, and modern engagement to ensure Canadian pilots remain protected, represented, and prepared for the future.
If you have any questions or comments about my platform or COPA in general. Don’t hesitate to email me at: me@blakecrosby.com.
Where We Should Focus
Stronger, Smarter Advocacy
- Strengthen communication between leadership and local COPA flights.
- Defend access to airspace and actively include emerging aviation users (e.g., RPAS operators) within COPA’s advocacy and membership.
- Publish clear summaries of advocacy outcomes so members understand where we’ve succeeded and where we need to improve.
- Advocate for policies that recognize GA’s small emissions footprint.
Advancing Modern Member Engagement
- Explore mentorship opportunities that pair experienced aviators with newer pilots.
- Strengthen feedback from members through structured member surveys.
- Ensure members receive communication that is relevant to their flying profile and experience level.
- Use member engagement data to inform Board priorities and strategic planning.
Welcoming & Reflecting the Next Generation
- Create opportunities for younger members to provide perspective to leadership.
- Expand outreach through flight schools and training organizations.
- Spotlight real stories of new pilots.
- Create structured pathways for younger members to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions.
Preparing for Sustainability & Long-Term Relevance
- Engage early in policy discussions around sustainable aviation fuels, electrification, and drone integration.
- Track trends around insurance, pilot demographics, and safety.
- Regular board governance reviews & succession planning.
- Data-driven membership tracking & retention.
Exploring the Issues Further
As the campaign continues, I’ll be exploring additional topics in greater depth. New articles will be added here regularly. You can also subscribe to receive updates directly when new posts are published.
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The Two Cultures of Aviation Community
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 Read More…
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Advancing Modern Member Engagement
Aviation has always been built on community. Pilots share knowledge, help each other learn, and pass experience from one generation to the next. Organizations like COPA exist to support that community, but the way members engage with organizations is changing. Advancing modern member engagement doesn’t mean replacing what already works. Local COPA Flights, fly-ins, and Read More…
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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 Read More…
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Strong Boards Build Strong Organizations
Good governance isn’t sexy or flashy and it doesn’t make headlines. When it’s working well, most members never think about it. But when governance becomes unclear, when roles blur, oversight weakens, or decisions aren’t transparent, trust in the organization erodes quickly. A board’s responsibility is not to run day-to-day operations, micromanage staff, or be a Read More…
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Strengthening COPA for the Future of Canadian Aviation
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is the national voice for general aviation in Canada. For decades, it has worked to protect airport access, advocate with government, promote safety, and support a strong community of Canadian pilots. Serving on the COPA Board of Directors is both a privilege and a responsibility. Directors provide governance Read More…
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.