COPA FOR KIDS
The Northwest Territories Flying Association, as COPA Flight 108, has been proud to participate in the COPA For Kids Aviation Program sponsored by the Canadian Owner and Pilots Association (COPA). The mission of COPA For Kids is to provide a motivational aviation experience, focusing on a flight in an airplane, in an effort to interest and engage youth in general aviation. Youth between ages 8-17 are eligible for COPA for Kids flights.
Our COPA for Kids events were held in Yellowknife and usually occurred in mid-July. All flights were conducted in floatplanes owned and flown by local pilots. Kids were initially introduced to the science and general mechanics of the plane by the pilot and were then treated to a flight in the co-pilot's seat. Although the flights were free, pre-registration was required. This event was made possible by the generosity of Max Ward in permitting use of his property and by the volunteer efforts of NWTFA members as pilots, dock handlers and dispatchers. Note: Our continued participation in the COPA for Kids program is currently under review due to the imposition of new regulatory requirements at the national level. Vulnerable Sector Checks for Pilots
COPA National has recently implemented a policy requiring all volunteer pilots participating in COPA for Kids events to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check ("VSC"). Processing time for a VSC averages 3 weeks so it is important to apply well in advance of our COPA for Kids event. COPA National requires that a VSC be renewed every 3 years but will accept a VSC completed for another organization within the previous 3 years. Any pilot flying in a COPA for Kids event hosted by NWTFA must have a current VSC on file with COPA National. In the Northwest Territories, application for a VSC must be made at the local RCMP detachment. The pilot must attend in person and present an explanatory letter from COPA National, photo identification and proof of residency. There is no fee and fingerprinting is not usually required. Once obtained, the pilot must submit the VSC directly to COPA National by fax to 613-236-8646 or by email to copa@copanational.org. |
media coverage"Youth Take to the Sky", Yellowknifer, 4 August 2017, page A13 "Northern Flight does it right: 42 youth take floatplane rides", COPA National, October 2012 "Kids Fly High at Floatplane Event", Yellowknifer, July 17, 2009 |
Photo Credit:
Cathie Ferguson Photography
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Photo Credit: Fran Hurcomb
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Photo Credit: Fran Hurcomb
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Photo Credit: Fran Hurcomb
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Photo Credit: Fran Hurcomb
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Photo Credit:
Fran Hurcomb
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