Signs of autumn are all around us — chillier mornings, turning of the leaves, and less smoke in the air. This was a trying summer for many Canadians — evacuations and, sadly for some, loss of property or life. While we mourn any devastation, the outcome could have been much worse. We had very skilled rotary and fixed wing pilots that flew surveillance, moved people and cargo in deteriorating conditions, and, of course, courageously fought to hold back the flames that threatened many communities. As a representative for EAA, a nonprofit organization that waves the flag to promote general aviation, I believe it is important for us to collaborate in educating society, and particularly our government, on how crucial general aviation is — it is where every single one of those brave and experienced pilots began. Right before our eyes, airports around us are closing and the cost of flight training is escalating. As we reflect on the importance of aviation for emergency response — whether it be the condition and proximity of our airports to the men and women that maintain and fly our aircraft, we need to remind our politicians of the importance for continued investment and support in general aviation.
We would like to hear from you about current and past build projects. What is your progress? What have you learned? Are you looking for answers, for which our readers may be able to provide insight? If you are a wordsmith yourself or have someone to write it for you, feel free to submit it print-ready. If you have a lot to tell us about your project, but don’t know where to begin, contact our editor, Ian Brown, and he will either provide a writer or will assist himself. And don’t forget the pictures! Ian can be reached at newsletter.eaacc@gmail.com.
We’re working on plans for AirVenture 2026, and we invite your input. We are optimistic to see COPA and Transport Canada next year, as well as representation from NAV CANADA, in our Canadian Pavilion. We did receive feedback already that the pilot currency-qualified seminars were missed this year — we will bring them back next year! I was wondering about installing a bulletin board for ‘Canadian Aircraft for Sale’? I know there are huge public bulletin boards at AirVenture, but there are literally hundreds and hundreds of postings on them. I’m talking about a board in the Canadian Pavilion specifically dedicated to Canadian posts. The reality is that there is no event in Canada, or elsewhere in North America, that comes close to being the mecca that brings aviators together like AirVenture. We want to embrace the passion of all aviators, while we showcase the strength of Canada’s aviation community.
I look forward to your thoughts and ideas — send them to me at chair.eaacc@gmail.com .
