Kelowna pilot describes what it's like to fly

If your gaze tends to turn toward the sky, this might be just the event for you.

This Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th in Kelowna, hundreds of pilots and their air crafts are getting together for the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) convention and trade show.

The two-day event includes tours, a trade show, guest speakers as well as an opportunity to meet pilots and view air crafts from across the country.

You don't need to own a plane to attend as the event is for both pilots and airplane enthusiasts alike.

David Rojas of Kelowna is a pilot who helped organize the event. He’s been flying for more than seven years, but said aviation has been in his blood for longer than that.

“My grandfather is a retired member of the Colombian Air Force and therefore I’ve been involved in aviation since I was born,” said Rojas.

“I’ve had the opportunity to fly in different locations around the world and will continue to explore places with my family and friends. My next big adventure will happen later this year when I go gliding at the Tauranga Flying Club in New Zealand.”

Rojas said that nothing compares to flying or the things a pilot sees in one flight.

“They are far more magnificent than what most people see in their lifetime," he said.

Rojas got into flying by first obtaining his Glider and Private Pilot License through the Air Cadet program.

The program teaches youth to become model citizens in their community, as well as leaders who graduate with their Pilot license.

As well as keeping a full-time job in Kelowna, he's also an officer with the Canadian Forces and teaches at the local Air Cadet squadron, 243 Ogogopo RCACS.

Rojas said he hopes to keep flying and teaching for many decades to come.

"I am very happy to be part of this community that welcomes aviation and supports events like the COPA convention and tradeshow. I encourage everyone to get their pilot license and see for themselves why people fall in love with the art of flying," he said.

The trade show will be hosted at the UBC Okanagan campus in the Engineering and Management Education building from 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

The show is put on by COPA Flight #36, the Kelowna International Airport and the City of Kelowna.

If you've had a dream of flying one day, this is a great place to talk to pilots, ask questions and be immersed in a culture of all things wing-related.

Details of the event can be found here.