The Estevan Flying Club and Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) held an annual fly-in brunch Saturday at the Estevan Airport and are hoping to spark interest and expose more people to aviation, especially local youth.
“We figured we’re going to have the people here so we’re going to tag on a COPA for kids and what that is, is it’s a promotion for people between seven and 17,” said Douglas Reetz, member of the Estevan Flying Club.
“The COPA members give them free rides just to expose them to aviation and hopefully at some point in the future — we’ve had kids that have come out every time we’ve had one of these for a number of years — so hopefully sometime in the future they’ll get their licence, maybe make aviation their career or at least enjoy it as a recreation.”
After the brunch the club offered rides for children who signed up, taking them on 20-minute flights over the city and Boundary Dam.
Reetz added the club’s bottom line is to promote aviation and as a way to do this, it holds club meetings in other towns, called fly-outs, which encourage members to take to the skies at least once a month.
“Like last month we flew over to Weyburn and had our meeting in Weyburn, next month we’re going to fly over to Carlyle and have our meeting in Carlyle,” he said.
“Just get people flying because too many times it’s like every other recreation. People get excited, they get involved, they get started and then afterwards they move on to something else.
“So we’re trying to have people retain interest in aviation.”
Those interested in joining the Estevan Flying Club don’t need to own their own airplanes, or even have a pilot’s licence, Reetz added, saying the only requirement is an interest in aviation in general.
There are always extra open seats in the planes of members who do have their own, so all one needs to do is sign up and jump in.
Reetz said the big thing is for people just to recognize the Energy City does in fact have an airport and it’s not just for club members.
“The community needs to realize they can come on out. Come on out and see what we’ve got,” he said.
“The city has a tremendous facility here.”
Anyone who wants to learn more about the Estevan Flying Club can call the Estevan Airport at (306) 634-8668.
