From the Chair

December 2023 – No matter where you are in Canada, we’ve all had a taste of winter already – whether it has hung around or not. For some, you’ve winterized, for others... let the winter flying begin!

I’d like to start by congratulating Aaron Crawford from Plattsville, Ontario, EAA Chapter 115, who was selected as the recipient of the Harrison Ford $7,500 USD award, through the EAA scholarship program. This year, only 14 out of a whopping 3,503 applications received were from Canadians. As aviators, we need to spread the word and encourage our next generation of Canadian pilots. Application intake is now open until March 2024. Here’s the link: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/learn-to-fly/scholarships.

Thank you to those of you that responded to our survey. I believe that by now, if you indicated you’d like to get more involved in EAA in Canada, you should have received an email. We have volunteer activities available in advocacy, social media, AirVenture 2024 planning, and on the Canadian Council. If you haven’t responded and are still interested, please email me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com.

We are beginning negotiations with EAA to be able to have a Little Canada camping area, once again, at AirVenture 2024. If you feel you’d like a camping spot with our group of Canucks, please express your interest by sending Phil an email at chapters.eaacc@gmail.com. This will help us to determine the footprint we request from EAA.

Thank you for providing feedback regarding your experiences with EAA insurance provisions for Canadians. I have taken your concerns forward and I believe we have been heard. Discussions are taking place, and I am hopeful that I will be able to report changes in the future.

Lastly, let’s talk advocacy. We have represented the EAA Canadian community on every issue and initiative affecting general aviation. We provided feedback on NPA 2023-005 (Night VFR) and continue to work on the ADS-B Working Group, Stabilized Approach Working Group, and Voluntary Reporting Working Group. If there are issues that you feel we should address or you’d like to get involved in advocacy, email me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for safe and enjoyable flying in 2024!