Youth ages 8-18 are invited by COPA flight #182 to come out to Melfort Airport on June 10 2023 at 8:30 am and enjoy an educational day with a flight over the town. (Submitted Photo/Starlite Glass Ltd.)

By Rachel May

COPA Flight

A chance to take to the skies for youth in the northeast

May 19, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Youth in the northeast are getting a chance to become Junior Aviators.

COPA flight #182 invites all youth between the ages of 8 and 18 to come out to the Melfort Airport on June 10 and enjoy a day of education and a flight over Melfort.

Bruce Schell with the Melfort Regional Airport Association told northeastNOW that he hopes this event inspires youth to develop a passion for aviation.

“Maybe this exposure will prompt them to go and get their license and become pilots.”

During the event, youth can step into one of seven planes and learn about controls. They will also take part in what is called a ground school debriefing of the aircraft.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

They will then enjoy a 10-15 minute flight over Melfort followed by receiving a certificate that they have become a junior aviator.

Schell explained that not only is the event special for the youth but also for volunteers.

“The biggest thing is that after the flight and the kids are getting off the plane, the smiles are ear to ear and that’s what makes it so good.”

If you hope to secure a spot at this event, parents and guardians need to sign the participation waiver for all participants under 18.

A waiver can be obtained by contacting Starlite Glass at 306-752-2226 or by email at starlite.glass@sasktel.net.

For those who find themselves with an itch to fly again, you can contact the COPA 182 club to learn more information on the steps needed to take their pilot license.

“We’ll actually have somebody here in Melfort that will be able to do some training. That’s going to happen very soon. Birch Hills is probably the next closest place that’s doing some training.” Shell said.

–

Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM