✈ Fly With Blake

How Nav Canada Is Making NOTAMS Better

Blake — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:12:59 +0000

In November 2023, Nav Canada introduced the “Trigger NOTAM”. So called trigger because they don’t contain detailed information to the pilot in the NOTAM it self. But “triggers” you to look up the information in a secondary source: usually an AIP Supplement. In other words: Something important exists outside the NOTAM system. Go look here instead. Lets take a look at an example…

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New IFR Currency Rules in 2026 (Updated)

Blake — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:10:01 +0000

When it comes to IFR currency in Canada, all pilots know the “6-6-6” requirement: Under the current regulations, instrument-rated pilots may go up to 12 months following their instrument proficiency check (IPC) before they are required to conduct any actual or simulated instrument flying. After 12 months, the regulations require pilots to have completed 6 hours of instrument flying…

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Airspace Restrictions in Toronto for FIFA

Blake — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:56:28 +0000

Nav Canada just published AIC 008/2026, which outlines the airspace restrictions in Toronto during the FIFA Men’s World Cup period (June 12 to July 7, 2026). VFR Flights will not be permitted in the CYTZ control zone for 6 hours during game days. An exception will only be made for Medevac flights or flights operated by Toronto Police Services. This will occur on: You…

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Preparing for Sustainability & Long-Term Relevance

Blake — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:49:47 +0000

My Priorities for COPA’s Future General aviation is entering a period of real change. The transition away from leaded avgas is gaining momentum, with the United States targeting a phase-out by 2030. For many aircraft, 100LL remains essential today, but that reality is beginning to shift. Replacement fuels are emerging, but they bring questions around certification, availability…

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Welcoming & Reflecting the Next Generation

Blake — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:12:57 +0000

My Priorities for COPA’s Future Aviation is one of the rare communities where knowledge moves forward person-to-person. Through instructors, mentors, and the countless hangar conversations that shape how we fly and how we think about aviation. That tradition is powerful. But it only works if the next generation feels welcomed and sees a clear reason to participate.

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The Two Cultures of Aviation Community

Blake — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:05:51 +0000

My Priorities for COPA’s Future 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. One reply I received recently stuck with me. The writer explained that many members of their Flight don’t own aircraft. For them, the chapter functions less as an advocacy…

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Advancing Modern Member Engagement

Blake — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:12:38 +0000

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. Organizations like COPA exist to support that community, but the way members engage with organizations is changing. Advancing modern member engagement doesn’t mean replacing what already works.

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The State of ADS-B in Canada

Blake — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:36:22 +0000

ADS-B was mandated in the USA by the FAA on January 1, 2020. Within the following airspace: This applies to any aircraft in the United States airspace, regardless of registration. This effectively means that Canadian aircraft flying along the USA/Canada border cannot enter US airspace unless they have an ADS-B transponder. The FAA was able to institute this mandate with…

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Stronger, Smarter Advocacy

Blake — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:40:47 +0000

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 between national leadership and local COPA Flights. Chapters are where general aviation actually lives: on the ramp, in the hangar, at monthly meetings. Advocacy is strongest when local…

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Strong Boards Build Strong Organizations

Blake — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:57:26 +0000

My Priorities for COPA’s Future 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, or decisions aren’t transparent, trust in the organization erodes quickly. A board’s responsibility is not to run day-to-day operations…

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