Discover Aviation - Wetaskiwin

09/29/2026

We get asked a lot during the last Discover Aviations this: "What other programs do you guys offer?" Unfortunately, we do not offer any programs other than the Discover Aviaton event itself. Alternatively, you can join the Wetaskiwin Flying Club, and get to meet great pilots and volunteers that put this event on.

However, just because we at COPA Flight 51 don't offer other programs throughout the year, doesn't mean there isnt great programs from other organizations. Here's some:

- iPad and iPhone flight simulators - Simulators such as Infinite Flight are a great way to keep the aviation spark alive until such time the kid is old enough to begin flight training. There are various flight simulators are available on computer as well. Usually for a fee.

- Can subscribe to an online ground school (check age requirements before purchasing). Great online groups such as Hangaaar and Level Flight offer online, self-paced ground school lessons and other great online courses surrounding drones, and other aviation oriented courses.
Hangaaar: https://hangaaar.com/
Level Flight: https://levelflight.ca/

- COPA offers many scholarships to help individuals pursue flight training. https://copanational.org/membership/awards-and-scholarships/
More scholarships can be found through Alberta Aviation, Aerospace & Defense (Formerly known as the Alberta Aviation Council). https://www.albertaaviationcouncil.com/scholarship-opportunities

So, just because we do not offer other programs throughout the year (at this time), doesn't mean there isnt amazing groups out there that try to support and encourage the next generation in aviation.

Explore COPA awards and scholarships for aviation students in Canada. Discover funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and how to apply today.

09/27/2026

🎉🎉That's a wrap on the 4th Annual Discover Aviation🎉🎉

We want to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, and organizers that helped make this event another success. We also want to thank the parents and kids as well for a fantastic day! Share your photos in the comments.

In the coming days, check your email for an email from us to see if you won this year's door prize donated by the Reynolds Alberta Museum!

We hope to see you next year!

09/27/2026

We want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for this years Discover Aviation event. This event wouldn't be possible without the generous donations from these fantastic organizations.

09/27/2026

It is a beautiful day here for Discover Avaition. We want to again apologize for the weather call on Saturday. However, today is amazing.

09/25/2026

🚨WEATHER CALL - RAIN OUT🚨

Hi all,

We unfortunately have spent all day staring at the weather forecast for tomorrow and unfortunately, for the safety of the pilots and kids, we are going to move to the rain out date of Sunday September 27, 2026.

I want to stress that the rain out date could also be rained out, and further communication will be sent out tomorrow at around 5:30pm if the rain out day also doesn't work.

This decision was not made lightly. We want to ensure not only a very safe ride for the kids attending and the pilots flying. We also want the ride to be comfortable for the kids, who many have never been on a smaller plane before.

The winds forecast for tomorrow, along with low clouds, and possible rain, all contributed to our decision.

We realize that for some, this unfortunately may mean that you will not be able to make it, if that is the case, please make sure to let us know ASAP so we can plan accordingly.

We apologize, however, safety is our number 1 priority.

Thanks,
Matt

09/23/2026

🎉🎉We are inside a week from the big day. Unfortunately the weather is not looking great. If we choose to move to the rain out date, we will send out emails and post on Facebook at the latest Friday evening. The rain out date is the next day, Sunday September 27, 2026. Please check our Facebook and your email Friday night. We hope to see you all this weekend!

07/24/2026

Its that time again! COPA Flight 51 in Wetaskiwin is hosting Discover Aviation this year! Date is set for September 26, 2026 at 9am. Rain out of September 27, 2026. Can't wait to see you all there!

Register here:

Please click the link to complete this form.

09/27/2025

Thats a wrap on Discover Aviation for 2025. We will see everyone in 2026!

Thanks again to all of our sponsors, volunteers on the ground, pilots, organizers, and most importantly all the kiddos that came out and enjoyed a flight. We can not wait to see you in 2026! This was our biggest event yet!

09/27/2025

We are well underway here this morning! It is a fantastic day and the weather is perfect! General Lee Aviation has their simulator trailer and games set up for those who are either too young to fly on the planes or for those who would rather watch from the comfort of the ground! Come check them out and grab a coffee sponsored by Starbucks here in Wetaskiwin.

09/26/2025

Its a go!

We've looked at the weather, it looks beautiful for tomorrow's event. We do have some space for some walk in flights as well due to some registrants canceling. Please understand these are time permitting and first come first serve.

Thank you to our sponsors:

City of Wetaskiwin
Wetaskiwin Regional Airport
Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association
Serenity Funeral Service
Wetaskiwin Aerial Applicators
Jacob's Construction
General Lee Aviation
Starbucks Wetaskiwin
Wetaskiwin Ready Mix Concrete

Please check the email that was sent to registrants for questions surrounding parking, what time to arrive (between 9am and 11am), etc.

We cant wait to see you tomorrow!!