To the editor,
We are writing this letter to inform local citizens that COPA54 and CYHS (Saugeen Municipal Airport) are alive and well.
Over the last few years, both COPA54 and CYHS have had many successes and weathered some challenging events. COVID put a damper on our annual Rust Remover and COPA for Kids events.
The annual Rust Remover would draw up to 125 pilots for their currency refresher. On a good flying day, more than 40 airplanes could be found parked on the apron of CYHS for this event.
COPA for Kids always drew 80 to 125 kids for their experience in aviation. Many of the kids were returning aviation enthusiasts, as could be seen by their COPA logbooks. The feedback from the public on these events was extremely positive and the smiles on the children’s faces and their parents said it all.
COPA54 has a core group of pilots that support both the annual Rust Remover and the COPA for Kids by donating their time and flying machines to make these events the successes they were. Not to be forgotten in all of these efforts are the management and staff that stepped forward and provided the airport, airport facilities and labour to enhance the experiences at these events. To say they were always positive and helpful is an understatement.
CYHS marked its 60th year as an airport last year and a celebration was held in honour of this achievement. Over those 60 years the airport has seen a lot of changes. Once a grass strip with a clubhouse, the airport served the local and surrounding pilots and residents with a place to gather and enjoy an excellent breakfast. The airport built from this start to a new terminal building and two asphalt runways. This was largely due to the support of the local pilots, friends of the airport and Interforest Veneer Plant, located in the Municipality of West Grey.
The airport touts numerous professionally-built hangars on the north and south end of the airport. Most recently, two new hangars have been added to the tally and there is the potential for additional ones in the coming years. The 50-plus pilots that call CYHS their home are very happy with the success of the airport and direction the Airport Commission has in their business plan. The Airport Commission has one representative from each of the supporting municipalities (Municipality of Brockton, Town of Hanover, and Municipality of West Grey) and two members at-large, representing the pilots on site. It is this type of positive leadership that continues to drive CYHS as a destination of choice for pilots. Not to be forgotten is the management and staff of the airport, whose dedication to following the Commission’s lead, makes CYHS a friendly and great place to reside or visit.
CYHS also has a very successful flight school that has many local residents learning to fly; some for general aviation and others that want a career in commercial aviation. Along with the flight school, the terminal has a professional diner, managed by a chef, providing delicious meals – all in a relaxing atmosphere and view of the apron and runway.
Some of the frequent visitors to the airport include the Hydro One helicopter, when they are doing line checks from Bruce Power to the main distribution center just outside of Toronto; the OPP helicopter can be seen parked on the apron of CYHS when they are conducting business in the area; the Orange medical helicopter uses CYHS for patient transfers from local hospitals and accident scenes; other businesses use the airport when they fly in to conduct business in one of the supporting municipalities; and the local Air Cadet squadron uses the airport for classes and their annual parade.
COPA54, CYHS and Friends of SMA look forward to many more years of success and positive advancement. We invite all pilots and the general public to visit us so we can provide a clear understanding of the importance of having such a great asset in our backyard.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and understanding the successes CYHS has had over the years. May you enjoy clear skies and favourable tailwinds.
Yours in aviation,
Barry Tschirhart, Flight Captain – COPA 54 and Friends of Saugeen Municipal Airport
and Filomena McDonald, Airport Manager
