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Young Eagles |
Flt 23 has been actively involved in the International “Young Eagles” Program since 1994 (the program was initiated in 1992) and during that time, 54 pilots have flown more than 2700 youngsters in the North Bay/Mattawa/South River areas.
Flt 23 prides itself on flying most of the youngsters "one-on-one" so that each child can experience the thrill of “co-piloting” a light aircraft. We also provide a photo of themselves and their pilot as a memento of their 20 minute flight. Many of our members are involved either as pilots, ground crew, or organizers of Young Eagle flights and nine of our members have flown over 100 kids each!!
In addition to the Young Eagle flights, since 1998 Flt 23 has sponsored 12 youngsters to a 5-10 day Aviation Camp at Oshkosh Wisconsin and in 2000 we sponsored two youngsters to the week-long Aerotech Camp at the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa.
To the best of our knowledge, the only Canadians youngsters to attend the Aviation Academy at Oshkosh are the ones Flight 23 has sponsored. The cost of attendance is quite significant ranging from $650 - $1000 US depending on age. Of the total, the parents are asked to pay the initial $100 deposit, and they are responsible for transportation. The balance is paid for by Flight 23 with money raised at our annual silent auction, and by EAA pilot credits donated by COPA members locally and across the Country.
YOUNG EAGLE TOTALS
Year Y.E. Flown Air Academy Attendees
94 - 96 402
97 - 195
98 - 208 Doug Cox - Powassan
99 - 210 Alex Ward - North Bay
2000 - 210 Mark Psutka - Ottawa /Melissa Lafontaine - North Bay
2001 - 206 Eric Roy - Kamloops
2002 - 196 Michael Schoenauer - Powassan /Dylan Peddle & Alex
Christie - North Bay (to Rockcliffe – Aerotech Camp)
2003 - 240 Alex Christie - Corbeil
Luc Charron - North Bay
2004 - 311 Zachary Poulin - Corbeil
2005 - 195 Zachary Cameron - Monetville
2006 - 160 Keith Morrow - Bonfield
Kurtis Weddel - Newmarket
2007 - 103
2008 - 59 Vernon Muma - Powassan
The success of the “Young Eagles” program has resulted in the implementation of a similar program from a Canadian perspective. “COPA For Kids“ has now been initiated and COPA Flt 23 has been quick to respond with enthusiasm scheduling four “COPA for Kids” events in 2009.
Click on the links below to visit our COPA for Kids Photo Gallery.
COPA for Kids Trout Lake Jun09
COPA for Kids South River Jun 09
COPA for Kids North Bay Aug 09
Copyright North Bay COPA Flight 23, 2005