Preparing for Sustainability & Long-Term Relevance General aviation is entering a period of real change. To stay relevant, COPA needs to become more data-informed and forward-looking in how it operates.

Over the past few weeks I’ve shared my thoughts on advocacy, engagement, and the future of the GA community in Canada.

This final piece focuses on preparing COPA for what’s ahead.

With voting now open, I’d be honoured to have your support.
#flying #aviation #avgeek #generalaviation #canada

AVOPs At Canadian Airports AIM RAC 7.2 states: “Multilateration (MLAT) increases air traffic service (ATS) situational awareness of aircraft and vehicles on the ground allowing them to safely manage ground movements…

Canadian Airports where MLAT for surface detection is enabled at YYZ, YYC, YUL, YVR. Which *requires* all vehicles to have an operating transponder.. It is based on ICAO's A-SMGCS system. I've put together a list of sources here. #flying #aviation #avgeek
fly.blakecrosby.com/avops-at-can...

Following up on my blog post last June (fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok...). I'm developing a tool to better visualize forest fire smoke induced visibility for VFR pilots. A tool to get "real world" visibility values due to how particulate matter and humidity reduces vertical and slant visibility.

Building a Stronger COPA Together Blake Crosby is a nominee for the COPA Board of Directors and shares his priorities for strengthening membership, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.

Running for the COPA Board means listening, not just talking.

I’m hosting a live Q&A today. Ask me anything, challenge ideas, or just come see what I’m about.

Let’s talk about where COPA goes next.

🗓️ March 19: 7PM ET.
✅ RSVP: fly.blakecrosby.com/copa2026
#flying #aviation #avgeek

Welcoming & Reflecting the Next Generation COPA already plays an important role in supporting the next generation of pilots through its scholarship programs and outreach efforts. Continuing and strengthening that presence is essential.

Aviation organizations worldwide are struggling to attract younger pilots COPA included. If we want the next generation to see value in COPA, we need to meet them earlier in their journey. Here’s how I plan to help make that happen. #avgeek #flying #aviation #copa

The Two Cultures of Aviation Community Over the past few weeks I’ve been reaching out to COPA Flights across Southern Ontario. My goal has been simple: listen to what local chapters are seeing on the ground.

The future of Canadian aviation won’t be shaped only in boardrooms or policy meetings. It will also be shaped around breakfast tables, fly-ins, and BBQs at local airports. What I've learned over the past few weeks speaking to COPA Flights. #flying #aviation #grassroots #copa #avgeek

Advancing Modern Member Engagement My Priorities for COPA’s Future Aviation has always been built on community. Pilots share knowledge, help each other learn, and pass experience from one generation to the next.

If my vision for strengthening COPA’s community through mentorship, better member feedback, and modern communication resonates with you, I invite you to read my latest post on advancing member engagement and supporting the next generation of Canadian aviators. #flying #generalaviation #copa #avgeek

Stronger, Smarter Advocacy My Priorities for COPA’s Future Effective advocacy isn’t about volume. It’s about credibility, preparation, and sustained engagement. For COPA to remain influential, we must strengthen communication…

If my vision for stronger, smarter advocacy at COPA resonates with you, I ask for your support in the upcoming election. #flying #aviation #avgeek #copa @copanational.bsky.social fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/02/stro...

Strong Boards Build Strong Organizations Good governance isn’t sexy or flashy and it doesn’t make headlines. When it’s working well, most members never think about it. But when governance becomes unclear, when roles blur, oversight weakens, ...

As a candidate for the COPA Board of Directors, I’d like to share my philosophy on leadership.

I’ve written a short piece on why governance clarity matters and why it’s foundational to COPA’s future.
#flying #aviation #avgeek #copa

Strengthening COPA for the Future of Canadian Aviation The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is the national voice for general aviation in Canada. For decades, it has worked to protect airport access, advocate with government, promote safety, ...

I'm proud to announce that I am running for a position on the Board of Directors for COPA. For more information on why you should vote for me, please see my campaign platform.
fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/02/stre... @copanational.bsky.social #flying #aviation #avgeek #copa

Canadian Pilots: I've put together a notification system for when new AICs are published by Nav Canada. You can filter by FIR or update type. Notifications straight to your inbox with one-click unsubscribe. beforeyoufly.ca #flying #aviation #avgeek

New IFR Currency Rules in May, 2026 When it comes to IFR currency in Canada, all pilots know the "6-6-6" requirement: 6 Approaches 6 Hours of instrument time in 6 months Under the current regulations, instrument-rated pilo...

For all the 🇨🇦 pilots out there. New IFR currency rules coming this summer. (Thanks @peacewind.aero for the heads up)
fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/01/new-... #avgeek #flying #aviation

Haha. If only he lived in the city.

1971 PA32-300 For Sale This is your chance to own a 50% share in C-FQYH. A 1971 Piper Cherokee Six.

I'm selling a 50% share of Plane Jane! More info: planejane.ca

100% an entire you perspective.

Smoke On! Break off! Last Weekends photoshoot. #flying #aviation #avgeek #cytz

Few select photos from our photoship mission. #avgeek #flying #aviation

Planning a VFR flight in smoky conditions? Check out my visibility risk matrix. 0: most likely VMC. 3: Most likely IMC. Read More: fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok... #flying #aviation #avgeek

Smoked Out: When Wildfire Haze Turns VMC into IMC Wildfire season in Canada typically runs from May to September. Over the past 20 years of flying, it’s become clear to me that wildfire seasons in Canada have grown not just longer—but more intense. I...

Frustrated with trying to predict visibility in smoke. I've created a "Visibility Risk Matrix" to help plan VFR flights during forest fire season. Learn how aerosols and humidity can affect in flight visibility in my latest blog post. #aviation #flying #avgeek fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok...

It seems like VORs and NDBs are still alive and well. Top countries searching for Airway vs. Air Route

Top Google Searches that make it to my blog:
1. C172 PAX Briefing Card
2. LVP a precision or non precision approach
3. How to transit through YYZ airspace
4. IFR Flying In Canada
5. VOR Time Check
6. How to fly at an uncontrolled airport
7. Airway vs. Air Route
fly.blakecrosby.com
#avgeek #aviation

The importance of strapping in your pets while flying. These two doggos survived a forced landing and crash in Quebec, Canada. www.bst.gc.ca/eng/rapports... #flying #aviation #avgeek

Composite Flight Plans Demystified: Combining IFR and VFR Flying What is a Composite Flight Plan? The composite flight plan is a unique type of flight plan that you can file with ATC that combines both VFR and IFR segments. They are designated by either a "Y" (f...

Have you ever filed a composite flight plan? Read my latest blog post to know when and how to take advantage of this rarely used tool.
fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/05/comp...
#flying #aviation #avgeek #flightplanning #generalaviation

Imagine me, wanting to be a pilot *and* having formal training in aviation, trying to learn how that worked ;) It sucked for everyone.

Death to the VOR! Long Live the VOR! Countries around the world are slowly deprecating old radio navigation aids in favour of using GPS for navigation. These old navigation aids include VORs and NDBs. However, GPS specifically is prone to spoofing and jamming. Resulting in aircraft unable to navigate properly. Since 2020, NavCana

Now that NavCanada has turned off the majority of VORs and NDBs in the country, what is it doing next? #avgeek #flying #aviation fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/04/deat...

How To: VFR Transit Through Toronto (YYZ) Airspace (Update 2024/2025) Editor's Note: This article was originally published in August 2023. A lot has changed with Toronto's airspace since then and this post has been updated accordingly with those changes and corrections ...

I've updated my "Flying in Toronto" how-to article for 2025. #flying #aviation #avgeek
fly.blakecrosby.com/2024/06/how-...

473 hours total time so far. Looking forward to breaking 500 this year. #flying #aviation #avgeek

NAD83 versus WGS84, Understanding NavCanada's AIC 005/2025 Here is AIC 005/2025 for reference. When trying to chart a three dimensional sphere (the earth) on a two dimensional piece of paper. You need two things: A map projection to use (Mercator, Azi...

For all you cartography and navigation nerds out there. NavCanada is deprecating the WGS83 coordinate system in favour for the ICAO standard: WGS-84. #flying #aviation #avgeek #cartography #navigation fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/03/nad8...

A quick montage of flying from KHII to KSUX. #avgeek #flying #aviation

For this year's Valentine's day. I present to you the time the previous owner of my plane provided "mile high club" rides in Plane Jane at burning man. #avgeek #flying #aviation #burningman #Valentines