The Kawartha Lakes Flying Club (COPA Flight 101) Lindsay held their annual COPA For Kids event on Saturday August 27th at the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport (CNF4).

Sixteen aircraft, including a helicopter, introduced the thrill of flight to 140 enthusiastic young aviators. Each "free" 20-minute flight showcased the City of Kawartha Lakes' beautiful scenery.

After the flight, the kids received a First Time Flight Certificate, and a photo with the pilot and aircraft. The kids were also treated to a hot dog, pop, and chips courtesy of the Airport View Restaurant.

A dedicated team of 35 volunteers coordinated each element of the event, ensuring a safe operating environment for the kids, ground crew, and pilots.

A special thank you to Bob Burns, President of the Kawartha Lakes Flying Club, Flavelle Barrett, Past President and Team Leader for the COPA For Kids event, Chris Woodhead and Bill Fry for managing ramp operations, Tom Schreiber, radio communications, and 89-year old flying club member and volunteer Karl Schaper.

A beautiful day for flying!

 

The registration team: (l-r) Valerie Shepherd, Michelle Woodhead, and Jan Richman; plane loaders Shelby Bulmer and Tanner Woodhead. Michelle Woodhead and her team has been part of COPA For Kids for the last six years. (Absent - Marilyn Arsenault)

Plane handlers moving Lou Poirier's Cessna 182 Floatplane into the passenger loading area.

 

Pilot Cheryl Marek, COPA Southern Ontario Director, and three happy passengers.

(Photos courtesy of Bob Burns)