The participant will experience an enjoyable flight that will give them new perspectives on the world and life in general.

Participation in the COPA For Kids Aviation Program will help young people understand that a pilot is simply an ordinary individual with very special skills developed through training and practice. The participant will learn the technology and science of flight and be shown the advantages of the study and hard work required to achieve a pilot’s license.  Being in the cockpit of a working aircraft in flight will help to de-mystify the art and science of aviation. Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives.

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Child Participants (Junior Aviators) will experience:

• A chance to examine a working aircraft close up on the ground (static display).
• A short Ground School session conducted by a pilot who will explain what the various parts of an aircraft are, what they do, and will answer questions about aviation and flying posed by the participants.
• A walk around, preferably conducted on a static display aircraft, to show participants how pilots prepare for each flight and to brief the participants on the safety aspects of their flight.
• A flight in the front seat (if possible) of an aircraft where participants will be able to observe all the facets of flight from start-up to take-off to cruising to landing and shut-down.
• The flying should be conducted one-on-one unless the parent or guardian wishes to accompany the young person and the pilot has room and carrying capacity in his aircraft.

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Aviation Program 

Duration: 

• Ground School : about 20 minutes
• Flight: between  20 and 45 minutes depending on the number of children to fly, the weather and age of the child.
• Total experience: 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, including ground time, registration, and wait time for aircraft and pilots.
• Total experience: 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, including ground time, registration, and wait time for aircraft and pilots.

The pilots who are participating in the COPA For Kids program are members of COPA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your child’s flight possible. Each COPA For Kids pilot is licensed by Transport Canada and all the aircraft utilized are registered by Transport Canada.

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Is Flying Safe?

Millions of people fly safely in aircrafts every year. However, an airport is not a playground. Participants should listen and follow instructions given by the pilot and follow these simple rules when around an aircraft:

• Stay away from moving aircraft and especially the propellers;
• Listen carefully for instructions on entering and exiting the aircraft;
• Not touch any part of an aircraft inside or outside, without the pilot’s permission;
• Stay with the pilot or ground crew at all times;
• Obey the safety instructions given by the pilot inside the aircraft .