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A COPA “Air Crew” membership card is no longer sufficient documentation for airside access at many airports. |
A COPA member reported that the Timmins, Ont., Airport no longer accepts COPA Membership Cards as identification for terminal access to private owners’ aircraft. The security guards (Commissionaires) have been advised by the airport manager that a pilot licence and a valid medical certificate are required to allow access to the terminal area.
Some airports have been accepting the COPA card because it has “Air Crew” printed on it, but to comply with a Transport Canada Aviation Notice, issued in 1990, the only valid identification is a pilot’s licence or permit and photo ID. Pilots are required to carry a flight crew licence/permit and current medical whenever they fly.
The COPA Membership Card is accepted at a long list of hotel chains that offer COPA members a discount and at Hertz when you are renting a vehicle. The special COPA member discount identification numbers for these are listed in the Canadian Flight Annual 2001 and on the COPA Web site:
www.copanational.org. Click on “About COPA” and then “Membership Benefits.”
Your COPA Membership Card may also afford you discounts at hotels that do not have a deal with COPA but offer special rates to “Air Crew.” Show your card and see what happens. Contact Adam Hunt.