International Federal Partnership Celebrates 25 Years
July 28, 2018 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 marked the 25th anniversary of the International Federal Partnership (IFP) representing federal agencies in Oshkosh. Founded in 1993, the IFP has grown to include up to 17 agencies and organizations throughout the years, including those from the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas.
This year, a large Canadian contingent returned to the IFP inside the International Federal Pavilion, where EAA visitors learned more about what agencies and organizations are doing to assist and educate EAA members and aviators.
Canadian air navigation service provider, NAV Canada, was one of the Canadian entities that returned after a few year hiatus. NAV Canada provides services from 100-plus sites across Canada including air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information, and airport advisory services. Transport Canada and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) both had a presence in the International Federal Pavilion this year, and COPA was a host to Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield on Thursday.
“It’s great to team up with our partners [i.e. Transport Canada and NAV Canada], and be surrounded by like-minded individuals and organizations that work towards the same goal of making our skies and GA flying safer,” said Bernard Gervais, president and CEO of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). “The IFP is the place to stop to learn about these initiatives and the behind-the-scenes international collaboration happening for the benefit of all aviators.”
IFP members also brought an array of aircraft including the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Gulfstream IV-SP “hurricane hunter.” The NOAA Gulfstream IV, cleverly named Gonzo after its long nose, was on Boeing Plaza to kick off the week’s events and was open for tours to educate attendees on what NOAA does to further hurricane forecasting and weather research. The National Park Service exhibit featured the agency’s first airplane, a Fairchild FC-2W2, and many other agencies brought aircraft including a de Havilland Beaver, an amphibious Quest Kodiak, and an A-Star helicopter.
Looking to the future, 2018 will be the last year IFP member organizations will be in their current location. In 2019, the member agencies will move to Hangar D. This new location will highlight the IFP and its member agencies, their services, programs, and assets at an AirVenture anchor location for years to come.
“I am excited about the future of the IFP at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,” said IFP Chairman Ed Holicky. “Our new location will be much larger than our current size and the site improvements by EAA will help visitors have a great experience to get all their information from agencies and organizations in one place.”
