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.
1 Like
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.