Pilot group taking C-K kids into the skies

The kids are all right…and airborne.

Discover Aviation returns to the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport on Sept. 14, thanks to COPA 203 (YCK), the local branch of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.

This event, hosted each year, provides introductory flights and educational seminars to local youth ages eight to 17 who have an interest in general aviation.

Through the generosity of local aircraft owners, pilots, volunteers and the management of the airport, COPA YCK is able to provide discovery flights for about 150 kids each year.

The pilots not only donate their time, but also their aircraft, fuel costs and knowledge to make the event special and cost free to the guests.

With the help of dozens of additional volunteers and members of the Air Cadets Squadron 294, the group tries to make the day memorable for everyone, according to Gordon Haslam, president of COPA YCK.

“The reward of seeing the smiles on all these kids and adults alike, is well worth the time and investment required to host this great event,” he said in a media release. “We cannot thank the aircraft owners, pilots, and Chatham-Kent airport for helping us to host this event each year.”