Hot off their re-launch of the airshow this summer, The Parksville Qualicum Aero Club is hosting its annual COPA for Kids flights Oct. 3.
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) event offers kids age eight to 17 a free 20-minute flight, along with a talk about the theory of flight and a classic pre-flight aircraft inspection.
“A number of the club’s experienced pilots will be on hand to give the kids a memorable day at the airport,” said organizer Paul Connor.
Organized by COPA volunteers, last year’s event started amid a bit of a storm, but the weather cleared nicely for the 26 children who got to enjoy a great day and flight around Qualicum Beach.
In small groups the young people attended local helicopter pilot Greg Waltz’s ground school and were taken for a flight by pilots Matt St. Arnaud, Jim Hannibal and Connor, followed by hot dogs and stories.
More than 150 chapters across the country take part in the annual program, which has given well over 10,000 children the opportunity to learn about flight.
“The experience and thrill of being in the cockpit of a small plane has instilled the seeds of many careers in aviation,” Connor said last year.
Parents or guardians need to pre-register by Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Bayview Dental Clinic above the Qualicum Beach Bank of Montreal, so times can be allotted.
Parents will be called a few days prior to the flight.
Allow approximately 90 minutes for the flight-day visit.
For more information on the aero club visit:
www.pqac.ca.
