Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 24/02) - Private pilots in Yellowknife have formed an association to encourage public interest in the aviation industry.

The Yellowknife chapter of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, COPA Flight 108 was christened at the Red Deer COPA national convention on June 22.

The organization currently has 15 to 20 members, mainly private pilots but also some commercial as well, and are looking to recruit more.

"Basically we're looking at saying these are the interests of private pilots ... and to give a sort of thorough look at anything that might affect aviation," said Jesse Jasper, captain of Yellowknife COPA Flight 108.

In Yellowknife, Jasper said COPA is looking at addressing aviation issues such as safety concerns; improving services for private pilots; availability of fuel; finding suitable dock space for float planes; spurring public interest in flight training; and rental aircraft in Yellowknife.

The chapter is also looking at organizing public aviation events.

"This would include things like barbecues and fly-in's and trips and tours, as well as assisting with the sea-plane fly-in in the Yellowknife air show," said Jasper.

COPA Flight 108 is also looking at participating in the Young Eagles program, a non-profit program which provides free flight experience to kids between the ages of eight and 17.

COPA Flight 108 is assisting with arrangements for the Yellowknife Air Show coming up this weekend. They will be accepting names of individuals interested in flight training rental aircraft and the Young Eagles program.