Rutledge Remembers the fallen “Men of Huron”
November 11, 2009

Co Captain Owen Delve introduced Jim Rutledge to COPA 45 members and friends. He told of Rutledge’s commitment to military history and local celebrations honouring our veterans. It was very appropriate to have him here on Remembrance Day, November 11, the annual celebration to remember our war dead and veterans.

Rutledge explained to the group how he came to write this book, “Men of Huron”. He started in 2005 and published it in July 2009. His motive for writing this book titled, “Men of Huron” happened after the Goderich Lancaster flew out of Sky Harbour from the 60th anniversary celebrations of VJ Day. At the same time, the ruling Liberal party was unwilling to pay $1000 per veteran to attend the Juno Beach reunion overseas. He felt this was not fitting considered what the veterans had sacrificed for our country and world. Read More...
 

Keeping our Aviation History
September 19, 2009

Recent letters and news articles published in the Goderich Signal Star brought attention to the readers about Eugene McGee’s extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Port Albert airfield and training base during the Second World War. Almost 80, Eugene’s wish is the collection be moved in its entirety from his home to a suitable location.

COPA 45 members felt the collection should be exhibited in the terminal beside the Sky Harbour Gallery, which displays Goderich’s collection from the days that it was a training base. Huron County was unique with the four training bases of Goderich, Port Albert, Clinton and Centralia within its’ borders. Goderich was for elementary air training while Centralia was for advanced air training. Port Albert was for navigation and Clinton was for radar. Both our neigbouring counties of Perth and Bruce went to Ottawa to lobby for a training base but were unsuccessful. Training over water would be an asset favouring the Goderich location... Read More...
 

Memories from Welland
August 15, 2009

Early Saturday August 15th began with questionable weather. Radar showed spots of rain around Goderich, north and east. Shortly the weather improved so COPA 45 members Jim and Jane Farrell, Don Jones, Fred and Marilyn Bruinsma depart in their aircraft. And arrived mid morning at Niagara South Airport. The day was sunny and just perfect for a Beef on a Bun lunch. It was also a good time to visit with friends made at former fly-ins and make new ones.
Our friend, Phil Dennis, was in charge of the fly market, which had a sundry of items for sale. Phil was good enough to capture this special moment of our Don Jones purchasing a picture especially for his wife Brenda who could not attend. How thoughtful both were!
Shortly after lunch both the Goderich and Kincardine flyers chose to leave Welland as those big puffy cumulus clouds were building in the sky. With no headwinds again, pilots and passengers experienced a few minor bumps along the way.
COPA Flight 149members, what great hosts you were, Thank you to our friends. Phil Dennis, Adrian and Hortense Verberg for a chance at another day of summer flying.

Calgary By Wings and Wheels
July 13, 2009

Monday, July 13 arrived with sunshine and weather and North West winds. Another long cross country trip with strong head winds to buck. That means more air time and more fuel to burn. Adventuring on the trip from COPA 45 were...  Read More...

BUSY WEEKEND FOR COPA 45
June 13-14, 2009

Two full days of sunshine and clear skies greeted COPA Flight 45 members as they prepared for their Fly-In event at Sky Harbour Airport this past weekend. Just nicely set up for a barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, salads, and chips when aircraft from Buttonville started to arrive. Before the day was over more than 40 aircraft had landed... Read More...

Photo - MP Ben Lobb and family

COPA 45’s Tour of Diamond Aircraft
June 10, 2009

Diamond aircraft are truly shining stars in the skies of aviation. COPA 45 members held their June meeting with dinner at the Katana Café and a tour of the Diamond facility. Marketing executive, Cathy Wood split the group. One group received a technical tour while the other had a marketing tour... Read more...

Photo - Some of the 18 COPA 45 members at Diamond Aircraft

Intra-Provincial Air Tour 2009
June 4-7, 2009

Summer’s here! It is time to go flying. As always it is more fun to fly with friends than solo. This weekend is no exception. It is four days of flying from city to city for Goderich’s COPA 45 members and friends. Planning to enjoy the second annual Inter-Provincial Air Tour (IPAT) are Fred and Marilyn Bruinsma, John Beimers and Dave Frayne, Jim and Jane Farrell, Don and Brenda Jones, Chris McCullough and Anne Rock... Read more...