What is Discover Aviation?

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Discover Aviation Program is planned for Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will take place at the Niagara Central Dorothy Rungeling Airport (aka Welland Airport). COPA Flight 149 group is hosting the event.

There will be a mini ground school where the prospective aviators will get a chance to go over an airplane to discuss the various components and find out just how a plane is able to fly. 

There will also be a small static display with a couple of planes so the kids can familiarize themselves before they go for their actual flight.

The flights are about 20 minutes in duration, to explore a portion of the Welland Canal, the Lake Erie shoreline and towns in the local vicinity. A light snack will be provided after the flight.

These flights are provided free of charge to all youth aged from 8 to 20 and are conducted by COPA Flight 149 pilots who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your discovery flight possible.  As well as the support from the national COPA organization and our sponsors.

Attendees will be arranged in groups of about 15 per hour and will be assigned a specific time to arrive for their adventure.

We had a very successful 2025 Discover Aviation Day that saw 98 young people get to experience the joy of flight up close and personally. We expect August 15, 2026, to be more of the same excitement.

For additional information about the national Discover Aviation program, please visit COPA National. 

Click on the picture below for a short video.