FIRST PLACE ($7,000)
|
At the COPA Convention banquet, Darlene Sly
is presented with the Neil Armstrong scholarship by COPA President Kevin
Psutka (left) and Trekker Armstrong (right). |
Darlene Sly, 20, of Richmond Hill, Ont. Ms. Sly
is attending her second year at Seneca College’s Aviation and Flight Technology
program out of Buttonville Airport in Markham Ontario. She has received her
Private Pilots License last summer and has approximately 80 hours to date.
Having developed her own passion for aviation, Ms. Sly was initially exposed
through her father, a former owner of a flight school and charter operation who
now flies for recreation. She is also active in the community volunteering as
the Division Commissioner for York South Girl Guides as well as a member of the
99’s International Women Pilots, and Canadian Women in Aviation. On graduating
from Seneca College with approximately 250 hours, which includes a commercial
multi-engine IFR licence, she will look for a small-operation job to build the
necessary hours required to advance her career.
SECOND PLACE ($3,000)
 |
In Saskatoon, where a “meet the President” night was held, second place Neil Armstrong winner, Jeremy Simonson (centre) was presented his scholarship by COPA President Kevin Psutka (left), and COPA Director Rick Sauter. |
Jeremy L. Simonson, 20, of Saskatoon, Sask. Mr.
Simonson is currently enrolled in the program offered as a partnership between
the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) and the
Saskatchewan Aviation Council (SAC) at Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon. He obtained
his Private pilot’s license while working as a ramp attendant for the Regina
Flying Club and aims to be an international airline pilot. On achieving this
goal his plan is to return to his community and open an aviation related
business involving aerial application, charters, and a flying school.
THIRD PLACE ($2,000)
Matthieu Marcotte, 17, St-André Avellin, Qué. Mr. Marcotte, on graduating from
high school, plans to apply at Cégep Édouard Mont-Petit or John Abbot College to
get his license as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He was instrumental in
helping his father and other community participants in the construction of a
recently completed airport in St. Andre Avellin. Doing small jobs around the
airport earns him passenger time in different aircraft most recently a 1948
Aeronca Chief on skis. Mr. Marcotte looks to start his private pilot’s licence
as soon as possible.