Originally published at: Canadian Owners And Pilots Association Eyes Name Change - AVweb
Group would be known as Aviators Canada Association if change is endorsed by membership.
Bad move. Changing the brand name to something that sounds like an insurance agency is wrong. Way back when we all used to wait for the yellow papered newsletter to be in our mailboxes with articles, used aircraft and supplies, accident reports, calendar of events and such. You don’t turn your back on 73 years of history.
Winston Churchill stated “A nation that forgets its past has no future”. The same may be said for an organization. It was with great sadness that I received this morning"s notice from COPA’s board of directors that the name COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) is being changed to ACA (Aviators Canada Association). I recognize that change and “progression” is inevitable in life and in organizations. Having said that I believe that this name and branding change is a mistake. As one of the most senior members of COPA (I joined in 1964-61 years ago) I feel that tradition and loyalty to the organization and it’s founders is being abandoned. For example we have received a brief notice that a new President has been hired but we the membership have not yet seen a resume for this person. While our new president has a management background it does not appear that she has any aviation expertise or experience. My aircraft insurance will be coming due in several months and if COPA/ACA does not provide a competitive insurance premium I will likely insure with a competing insurance provider. Sadly the benefits and representation by COPA over the past number of years has been dwindling. As a long time staunch supporter of COPA and a past director for six and half years for BC & YT, when my membership comes due this year I will be taking a long hard look at whether or not I will renew. A sad day and as you can see I am very concerned about the future of a proud organization that has in the past been a strong advocate for General Aviation in Canada.
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I agree this is a bad move. In 10 years the membership has fallen from 18,000 to 11,000 (about 38%) and I think this will drop it even further. The energy to do this change would be better utilized in recruiting new members and retaining existing members.
Yes, I think your remarks are spot on. I too wonder about the future and continuation of COPA. If you are a current pilot, perhaps an owner, then you have a dog in this race. Others with an interest or a desire are most welcome to join this group we are part of. We are not partially interested on an occasional basis but constantly. The question becomes, “is there a fire in the belly”, or is aviation just a passing interest?
I understand and agree with the logic, but it’s a bland logo and a bland name. Look at the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada. Now there is a great name and a great logo; both tell you everything that you need to know.
Anyway, nothing to do with me, so just flush the opinion and I’ll forgo the 2¢.
All i care about is if they all speak English on the radios.
The good news is that the new name would be less confusable with that of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA).
How contagious is apathy? Do we put our head between our knees and kiss goodbye to G.A. up here? You know, it’s been an interesting ride but are these the last burning embers of our association?
You have to catch the fever. I fail to see how a name change does anything to spread the fever. I caught the fever by simply looking at airplane pictures in a book. It spread from there. The fever comes from within, not from any name change.
The new logo looks more like an invite to a garden club.
You are so very correct. I contacted Doug Ronan (COPA Chair and Southern Ontario Director) and others about the clear and real conflict of interest of advocating for the drone sector at the same time as for pilots/owners of aircraft. Immediate effective legislation, regulation and enforcement is needed with respect to drones. We’ve had two near misses already with drones in water aerodrome airspace. The responses I received from Mr. Ronan were at best disappointing and in my view, dismissive.
We need an organization that advocates exclusively for pilots and owners. Drone operators already have their own organization and their interests conflict with our interests. COPA can’t advocate for both sides.
On the issue of conflict of interest between the drones and pilots/owners, Mr. Ronan’s response below does not suggest to me an ethical or reasonable way to address conflicts. Furthermore, under this model, what if the directorship changes in the future to be dominated by drone owners/operators, will their interests prevail over ours? This was his reply on the conflict of interest concern I raised:
- Drones are part of Canadian Aviation – we are the 3rd largest aviation organization in the world and the largest in Canada so it is natural that we include drones – I agree there are potential conflicts but that’s all the more reason to include them – keep your friends close and you enemies closer – if they are with us we will have influence over what happens with them and be able to work together.
I couldn’t agree more. COPA belongs to the members, the directors are there to do our bidding, not dilute or dismantle the historic organization.
Tom, I don’t know if you can DM me here but if not, my email is jeff@broadbent.law and you’re more than welcome to reach out to brainstorm. I’ve been a member since being a student pilot, seeing COPA as our only vehicle to advocate with the authorities. It’s concerning that the president has provided no answer as to how the inevitable conflicts of interest between the drone sector and the pilot/owner sector will be addressed. It seems to me the members need to consider this before approving this proposed direction.
As a Canadian private pilot flying in the US, I view the name change as unnecessary and misguided. If the intent is to include drone operators, then to my mind that is a huge mistake. I view drones and their proliferation as the enemy of general aviation. Their objectives and mind set is completely at odds with our view of aviation safety. I say this from having several close calls. Regardless of the drone issue, I think that COPA represents a proud tradition. There is no reason to change the name.
The issue of conflicts of interest is significant and needs to be addressed as you noted. I plan to attend the COPA convention in Vernon next month and hopefully talk to some folks about these issues. Well, let’s see how it goes.
It may be because of the drone regulations but as a western Canadian I see it more as pandering to eastern interests. TCA to AC now COPA to AC
A side benefit is it distances us (canadians) from our evil american cousins the aopa.
It comes more in line with the franco canadians.
Call me a cynical seperatist old fart.
Aviators Canada Association (or Aviators Canada) is no more inclusive than the existing name, so that argument falls flat. I rest my case.