Fourth Annual COPA "M4" Gathering Draws Nearly 200 Planes

No true aviation gathering is complete without something of a trade show and COPA's fourth annual migration provided a very well targeted and useful opportunity to do some aero-shopping in the downtown Duluth, MN Convention Center.

A number of Cirrus suppliers, support and service companies provided attendees ample opportunity to check out the latest in avionics, insurance, aircraft sales, accessories, and aircraft modifications. Of particular note were the availability of two upgrade paths for the SR22 series. One of these upgrades was introduced by Tornado Alley's George Braly, and our friend Walter Atkinson. It involves an exhaustively researched turbo-charging system and what appears to be a very promising test program. Initial reports are extremely positive and we're looking forward both to a test flight, and an interview, with them in the not-too-distant future.

Yet another solution for more high-altitude ponies for the SR22 -- no slacker in the powerplant department to begin with -- is a supercharging system from Forced Aeromotive Technologies, that also appears to have received a great deal of thought and research... and it's a system we're going to have to look into quite carefully, as some of the engineering details sure look intriguing.

Training companies were also in abundance at the tradeshow, with such luminaries as the University of North Dakota as well as a number of highly accomplished instructors and Cirrus expert training programs to be had, as well. They're also a few online and software programs available to the Cirrus community in order to allow pilots to keep their skills sharp, or increase their knowledge of their aircraft and/or the IFR environment.

One particularly intriguing exhibitor came in the form of Lopresti Speed Merchants' new wingtip system for the Cirrus Design SR series. Fit compactly into a standard wing tip, the new landing/taxi light system not only boasts exceptional visibility, but also heretofore unavailable lighting power. Lopresti's HID lighting system is called the Cirrus Zip-Tips and is offered for $5495. This HID lighting system boasts some 700,000 lumens and should protect one from any other pilot in the vicinity... unless their seeing eye dog is at the helm.

Among the other seminars that got heavy attendance, was Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association President Mike Radomsky's (who is steadily earning his new nickname of  "COPAMan" with each of these events... inspiring the hysterical rendering included below... grin) stirring tale of his dual trans-Atlantic adventure. Last year Mike and a highly qualified friend went across the Atlantic from his home in Las Vegas, spent a fair amount of time in Europe, and then flew all the way back.

Why did he do it? Because he wanted to. And that's all the reason any one really needs... right?

Mike's tale was at times poignant, often hysterical, filled with excellent information for those who have ever dreamed or even considered a trans-Atlantic single-engine journey, and filled the audience with appreciation for the capabilities of a hearty SR22.

Another "don't miss" seminar was the one presented by "Equipped To Survive's" Doug Ritter. Doug Ritter is easily the preeminent aviation survival expert in the nation, if not the world, and is one of those guys who maintains fanatical allegiance to a concept. And in this case, that concept is one that can literally save your tailfeathers. Doug has done phenomenal research on all aspects of surviving an aircraft accident, whether it be ditching at sea, going down in the boonies, or simply dealing with an tough emergency away from home. Doug's data is the culmination of years of research, scads of interviews with pilots who have had to deal with these horrific experiences, and consultation with experts from throughout the world.

Any chance to listen to Ritter speak of survival issues is not to be missed, and should be made mandatory for anybody who flies an airplane out of gliding distance of home. We're looking forward to spending more time with Doug in the not-too-distant future and presenting a number of interviews -- both in our online news programming as well as our Aero-Cast audio programming. Don't miss it.

The feverish four days of the COPA M4 experience were an impressive sight. Cirrus airplane owners brought over 175 Cirrus planes from across North America and kept Duluth busy as Minnesota's second most-active airport.

 
Alan Klapmeier, Chairman and CEO of Cirrus stated, "I have never seen an owner's organization like COPA that is so enthusiastic and dedicated to safety and continuing pilot education. Cirrus is fortunate to have our owners feel the same passion for our product and philosophy as we do."

M4 had the largest turnout of any COPA organized event. COPA officials reported that about 500 people participated this year, counting both vendors and members. Mike Radomsky said, "When we launched COPA almost five years ago with a little over 100 members, we could not have anticipated our rapid growth. Today COPA has over 2,200 members, testimony to the popularity of our education and safety programs, and the safety, reliability and comfort available to pilots of Cirrus aircraft".

John M. Bingham (pictured below), Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Cirrus added, "This event clearly demonstrates why Cirrus planes have amassed over 1.2 million fleet flight hours in such a short period of time. Beyond our leadership in integrating safety and advanced avionics -- Cirrus understands why pilots fly. We make it easier, convenient, faster and safer. As a result, the average Cirrus pilot logs more than twice the flight hours than the personal aviation industry norm."

Lest those of you outside North America feel left out, do be advised that European Cirrus pilots have already had one major fly-in this year in May. However, COPA has already planned additional events in London at the end of June, and in July in Toulouse, France.

At the conclusion of the Fourth Annual Migration, ANN learned that the Cirrus community is as passionate about the rest of aviation as they are about their planes. Auctions were held for the "Jet" T-Shirts that were amusingly unveiled earlier in the week, with the proceeds going to the very worthy efforts of the Redtail Project-- an admirable effort to record and protect an amazing part of our nation's aviation history. The T-Shirt auction raised some $5000... but that wasn't enough for the Cirrus flock... who decided they could do better... and boy, did they!

The Red Tail Project ultimately became the beneficiary of more than $105,000 -- raised in the single evening of the concluding banquet... all to benefit the Red Tail Project. This generous donation gives the project a significant boost toward their goal of restoring a rare P-51C Mustang, and assuring the story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen is not forgotten.

This has been a cause that is near and dear to both Dale and Alan Klapmeier. Addressing the crowd at the Saturday COPA banquet, Cirrus co-founder Dale Klapmeier (pictured below) spoke about how he was personally inspired by the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen.

With complete spontaneity, aviation enthusiast Bendrix Bailey came forward and issued a challenge: He would commit $50,000 if the COPA members present would match his gift that evening. "This story of the Red Tail is both inspiration and proof that impossible dreams may be achieved. This airplane will carry that story to young men and women of all backgrounds all across America," Bailey said.

COPA members responded with aplomb and raised more than $105,000 to support the project.

Radomsky then announced he was going to make an executive decision for the first time in COPA history, and make the Red Tail Project the beneficiary of this years' charitable giving. Radomsky stated he "had no doubt that the board would join him in directing these funds to help the Red Tail."

According to Tim Barzen, spokesperson for the Red Tail Project, "We are seeking significant corporate and individual sponsorships to accelerate the restoration process and also to begin oral history recordings of the surviving Airmen. There are only about 200 remaining airmen, and they are in their 80's, so time is of the essence."

If the Red Tail Project can raise the remaining $700,000 within the next 30 days required to finish the P-51C, the project is committed to flying the airplane to next year's COPA Migration in Duluth, and throughout the 2007 air show season.

The Red Tail Project's mission is to bring the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to every classroom in America through an aviation education program and the restoration of a P-51C Mustang painted with the iconic red tail of the Airmen as a symbol of the contribution of African Americans who served our country during WWII. The project is part of the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

To all associated, it was a great few days to enjoy the company of fellow flyers with uniquely allied interests... and a time to show that the General Aviators of this world, especially the Cirrus flock, are folks with both a concern for their own interests as well as those of the rest of the aviation world.

Congrats, gang... you made us all proud...

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com, www.cirruspilots.org, www.redtail.org