✈ Fly With Blake

Winter 2026–27 flying outlook for Southern Ontario

Blake — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 19:20:53 +0000

Expect a milder winter with less snow, but not necessarily more VFR days. February has been the best month for VFR at all seven airports, and December the most likely to disappoint. A lot of you have been asking me what the weather will be like this winter considering all of the noise around this “record breaking” El Niňo. So I decided to look at 7 airports across Southern Ontario and…

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In Defence of Landing Fees: Yes, Really.

Blake — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:00:07 +0000

Why paying to land might actually be good for Canadian aviation. Want to start an argument among pilots? Bring up landing fees. Few things irritate general aviation pilots more than being charged $20, $30, or $50 simply to land an airplane. Flying is already expensive enough. Why should we have to pay just to use a runway? Here’s an unpopular opinion: Landing fees aren’t necessarily…

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So You’re A Pilot. Now What?

Blake — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 08:37:32 +0000

Congratulations! You’ve earned your pilot’s licence. You’ve survived the written exam, mastered your landings (mostly), and can finally take your friends and family flying without an instructor sitting beside you. You’ve probably already started planning those $200 hamburger runs, weekend getaways, and trips to airports you’ve always wanted to visit. But eventually…

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Ontario Flight School Practice Areas

Blake — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:54:53 +0000

A flying buddy of mine asked if there was a way to display all of the practice areas that are used by the local flight schools. I created this ForeFlight Content pack for you to upload to your iPad. Clicking on the point inside the practice area will bring up an option to view “More Details”. The more details section will show you any altitude restrictions for the area as well as…

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Pilots Love Arguing About Circuit Entries. So I Looked at the Data.

Blake — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:11:13 +0000

At uncontrolled airports, everyone has an opinion about the “right” way to join the circuit. Some pilots love the overhead join, yet others treat straight-ins like a war crime. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that there is no law that tells you what method to use. It is all just recommendations from Transport Canada. However, suggestions are made in the Aeronautical Information…

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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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