One of our favorite annual events is the yearly "Migration"
hosted by owners and flyers of the Cirrus Design flock. Gathering
in the shadow of the CD factory in Duluth, Minnesota, it is an
event chock full of fun, fellowship, education and more than a few
surprises. Exceptionally well organized, by ANY standard, the event
hosts hundreds of planes, flyers and exhibitors -- and rarely
leaves any attendee looking for more.
It also happened to be a GREAT place for ANN and Aero-TV to
gauge the mood and feelings of the Cirrus community... about the
organization that has gained such a sterling rep throughout GA,
about the realities of GA travel... and whether there is an
undercurrent of 'jet envy' among the crowd of fast-moving piston
drivers. First, though, we start with a question for members of the
Cirrus Owner's and Pilots Association... what kind of job is the
organization doing for them?
That said, the annual COPA Migration is obviously THE biggest
event of the year for Cirrus pilots. In early July 2008, hundreds
of Cirrus aircraft flew in from all over the country (and beyond)
to return to the "nest" to take advantage of an extensive and
varied roster of activities for the pilots AND their families.
Migration events include a number of unique and highly-anticipated
evening social events, numerous seminars and presentations, and an
extensive trade exhibition.
The Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is a not-for
profit membership organization established to educate, promote the
safety of and support the owners and pilots of certified aircraft
manufactured by Cirrus Design Corporation, encourage ownership of
these aircraft and provide social activities for its members.
Additionally, COPA will promote goodwill towards the general
aviation community. Founded in 2001, with over 2800 members
worldwide, COPA is a volunteer-run organization completely
independent of Cirrus Design Corp.
Open to all interested individuals. Dues are $65 per year, which
includes a subscription to Cirrus Pilot magazine, access to the
COPA members website and forums, and eligibility to attend other
COPA events and activities (additional fees apply to some
activities). Particularly notable are the online forums run by
COPA. One of the most active online forums in general aviation, the
COPA forums have hundreds of messages posted each day. It has
become the 'ideal place to absorb information or get any question
answered... often in minutes' on all things Cirrus.
With over 250,000 past posts in the Members section, COPA forums
are also a vast treasure store of knowledge and information of
incalculable value to the prospective or active Cirrus pilot or
owner.
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