IAOPA World Assembly postponed

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) was scheduled to host the biannual meeting.

“Given the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to avoid large gatherings, and out of an abundance of caution for our members, attendees, vendors, and staff, COPA and IAOPA have decided to postpone the World Assembly that was to be held in Montreal from June 29 to July 3 of this year,” IAOPA Secretary General Craig Spence told affiliate members on March 20. “As this event has more far-reaching implications, with a majority of international travelers, we considered it safest to postpone until sometime next year when all borders are open and airline disruptions are no more of a threat.”

IAOPA is composed of 82 general aviation organizations that represent more than 400,000 pilots worldwide. Affiliates of IAOPA meet during the World Assemblies to create resolutions that guide all of the groups on advocating for subjects ranging from medical certification to emerging technologies.

“For those of you that have already registered for the event COPA has advised that they will be reversing the charges and offering refunds,” Spence said.

The meeting was not immediately rescheduled.