COPApedia consists of articles on a wide range of topics, all of which focus on the safe and knowledgeable operation of Cirrus aircraft. The creation of these articles is accomplished using a "wiki", similar to the highly popular Wikipedia web-based encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org). Wiki technology allows all COPA members access rights to create and edit articles. The Wikipedia experience has shown that through the collective efforts of thoughtful and knowledgeable people, it is possible to create remarkably valuable content with little "paid" staff time.

Benefits

COPApedia provides an easy to use, searchable web site for COPA members to quickly find information relevant to safely and knowledgably operate Cirrus aircraft. While a great deal of this information already exists in various forms within COPA, Wikipedia is advantaged in several ways:

1. Articles synthesize content and various points of view. COPA members will not need to search through hundreds of forum posts to find relevant content. Instead, they will be able to quickly navigate to relevant COPApedia articles to find the information for which they are looking. Any member can add to or edit articles to improve the material.
2. Articles present a neutral point of view on topics. The passion of COPA members regarding a particular point on view on a topic is frequently seen on the forums. By contrast, COPApedia is designed to present readers with a neutral point of view which fairly presents alternative perspectives on controversial topics.
3. COPApedia is "all content all the time". While many COPA members enjoy the give and take interaction of the forums, others just want "the facts." COPApedia presents content in a factual manner, and leaves the repartee of the COPA forums behind. This approach to content delivery will appeal greatly to COPA members who just don't have the time or inclination to wade through forum content.

Core Principles of COPApedia:

1. COPApedia is all about helping Cirrus Owners and Pilots to more safely and knowledgably operate and enjoy Cirrus aircraft.
2. COPApedia articles should have a neutral point of view, which means we strive for articles which present all relevant points of view on a topic where applicable. Articles should not advocate a particular single point of view on a topic, rather, articles should present multiple points of view where appropriate; presenting each point of view accurately; providing context for any given point of view, so that readers understand whose view the point represents; and presenting no one point of view as "the truth" or "the best view". It means citing verifiable, authoritative sources whenever possible, especially on controversial topics.
3. COPApedia content may be edited by any COPA member. Following the Wikipedia example, our belief is that over time, well meaning and thoughtful people will reach consensus to deliver articles which are truthful, informative and represent a neutral point of view. All COPA members should know that if you don't want your material to be edited mercilessly or redistributed by others, do not submit it to the COPApedia.
4. Generally, the COPApedia collaboration and discussion process will determine the final content of COPApedia articles. In rare situations, COPApedia "category mediators" will intervene to help assure COPApedia articles remain truthful, informative and represent a neutral point of view.
5. By contributing to COPApedia you give rights to use of your contribution to the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association and you release all rights to your contribution. Your contribution may be freely changed, deleted, edited, and distributed in any manner COPA chooses. articles will only be directly available to members of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association.

COPApedia Guidelines

1. Articles should be classified by Category and Subcategory to assist with navigation and searches.
2. The "naming" of an article should generally be in "Adjective Noun" format. Names should be kept as simple as possible, such as "Garmin X96 mount" or "Oil change" or "Mountain flying" or "Inflight icing." 
3. Articles should "stand on their own." While links to external references are appropriate, a particular article should not rely on external content to make it complete.
4. Articles should not contain off topic material, political statements, commercial solcitations or advertisements or inappropirate racial, sexual, religious, ethnic references. Stay on topic and be nice.