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...