Sealand Flight Named 2025 Flight School of the Year by COPA

Sealand Flight, located in Campbell River, has been honored as the 2025 Flight School of the Year by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). This recognition highlights the school’s commitment to excellence in flight training and its innovative approach towards electric aviation.

In a statement, Mike Andrews, a spokesperson for Sealand Flight, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this achievement. “This award reflects the work of our founders, instructors, students, and partners who have pushed forward on electric training, safety, and professional pilot development,” he said. With the Pipistrel Velis Electro now fully certified in Canada, Sealand Flight is poised to expand its electric training programs and contribute to the national transition towards low-emission aviation.

Recognizing Excellence in Flight Training

The award was presented to the Sealand team by Sigmund Bering Sort, COPA’s western vice-chair and BC/Yukon regional director, during a ceremony in early November 2023. Sort noted that this recognition is a testament to the school’s dedicated efforts over the years in advancing general aviation across Canada.

“Sealand Flight has demonstrated focused innovation and dedication,” he added. The award acknowledges the school’s excellence not only in technical training but also in providing a superior student experience.

This year marks a significant milestone in Canadian aviation history, as Transport Canada has officially Type Certified the Pipistrel Velis Electro. This fully electric aircraft has been in use at Sealand Flight for the past 18 months, making the school the first in Canada to offer introductory flight training on an electric airplane.

Expanding Electric Flight Training

Since June 2022, Sealand Flight has been at the forefront of electric aviation, paving the way for other Canadian flight schools to follow suit. With the recent certification of the Velis Electro, the school is now positioned to provide electric flight training to a wider audience across the country.

In addition to electric aircraft training, Sealand Flight offers a variety of programs, including training for first flights, commercial licenses, instructor ratings, and advanced courses. The school serves various communities on Vancouver Island, including Campbell River, Courtenay, Powell River, Qualicum Beach, and Nanaimo.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Sealand Flight’s recognition as the Flight School of the Year underscores its role as a leader in shaping the future of flight training in Canada. With a clear focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability, the school is set to influence the next generation of pilots and contribute to a greener aviation landscape.