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Doug Ronan

 

 

I started flying at the age of 14 in a Cessna 180 on floats. I bought my first airplane, a 1964 Cessna 150 when I was 18 years old. Since then I have owned approximately 100 flying airplanes of every description.

Flying has been my life since that first ride in the 180. I have accumulated more than 5,000 hours – throughout North America - on floats, wheels, skis, taildraggers, and retractables.

I have worked full time in aviation since 1988 – at Markham, Buttonville, Pottageville, and Orillia Airports. In 1990 I started my current business, Doug Ronan Aircraft Sales – which has grown to include aircraft sales, one of Canada largest aircraft “salvage yards” and our main business of custom aircraft restorations. 

We operate from our 150 acre private airport near Brechin, Ontario where I have developed both a 2,000 foot grass strip and a 2,000 foot water runway, two shops, indoor storage and tie downs for 25 plus aircraft. www.dougronan.com

In March 2004 I formed the Ontario Seaplane Association (www.ontarioseaplane.com), COPA Flight 110. The purpose of the O.S.A. is to provide a unified voice to represent seaplane owners and operators in Ontario to various levels of government and provide a means for seaplane operators to get together. The OSA also co-sponsors the successful Orillia Splash-in/Fly-in in mid-August every year.

In 2004, I was appointed to COPA’s six member National Seaplane Advisory Committee to deal with seaplane issues across the country.

I was elected as one of COPA’s Southern Ontario Directors in June of 2006. Even though it can be time consuming - a lot of the time you feel like David fighting Goliath. I have won the majority of the battles I dealt with for the members of COPA.

Some of the issues I have dealt with since 2006:

  • Access to Kawartha Highlands Signature Site
  • Access to Nagamisiss Provincial Park
  • Access to Temagami
  • The attempted closure of the Toronto Island Seaplane base
  • Discrimination of aerodrome owners in the Township of the Archipelago
  • The potential closure of the Lindsay airport
  • The potential closure of the grass runway at Muskoka airport

Chair of the Convention Committee to transform COPA’s Annual Convention into COPA’s AGM and Fly-in with more of “Grass Roots Fly-in” emphasis.

Maintaining our “Freedom to Fly” is an uphill battle. Since 2006, I have made a difference to the members of COPA in board meetings dealing with the issues directly affecting the members, and establishing both positive and productive relationships with various levels of government.

I look forward to your support in the upcoming election as a COPA director for Southern Ontario to continue the fight for the next four years – for your sake and mine, but most importantly for future generations like my 12 year old son Andrew who is planning on soloing on his 14th birthday!