ANN Poses Three Questions For The Cirrus Community
As previously noted, the 2008 COPA 'Migration' (M6) 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. Second time around, though, we have a little fun with the airlines and ask Cirrus Pilots from all over the world as to whether GA is effectively competing with airline travel. So here we go with Question 2 -- How is GA comparing with airline travel these days?
COPA's annual "Migration" is 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.
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.
Aero-TV Poses The Second Of Three Questions For The Cirrus Community
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