This web page is an archive from the website of a previously held event and is preserved for reference.

COPA members only may also view a short slide show of photos taken during Migration or may browse the over 400 photos taken at Migration 6 in the Member's Media Gallery.

You don't have to be a COPA member to attend!   Exhibitor Registration

Thursday July 10 - Sunday July 13, 2008
Duluth, Minnesota

Recommended fly-in arrival:  Thursday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New: early arrival activities listed on the Family/Social Event page

First event: Thursday 6:00 PM
Last event: Saturday evening 6:00 PM
Recommended departure: Sunday AM

The annual COPA Migration is the biggest event of the year for Cirrus pilots. In July 2008, at the peak of the summer season, hundreds of Cirrus aircraft from all over the country will again "return to the nest", Duluth, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior. This year there will be an extensive and varied roster of activities for the pilots AND their families, insuring that a great time will be had by all.

Migration events include three unique evening social events, numerous seminars and presentations, and an extensive trade exhibition.  Migration always includes exciting speakers and aviation personalities - we're happy that Rod Machado is here this year.  Two flight programs (for pilots and non-pilots alike), lots of activities for pilots and their families.

Want to see how much fun we have at Migration?  The activities are different each year, but to get a sense of the fun, click to see COPA member Mark Bariciak's great short video of a few highlights from last year's Migration on YouTube.

Adult/Main 3-day Registration-Includes admission to all conferences and exhibits, all meals (Thursday evening through Sunday morning), Thursday COPA Cabana event, Friday evening social event at the Aquarium, and Saturday evening banquet. Optional pilot "Rust Removal" flights in your aircraft are included, subject to space availability.

Adult Spouse (or Domestic Partner )3-Day-This registration type is valid only for a spouse or domestic partner (residing in the same household and registering together using a single payment) accompanying another registrant who is paying the full Adult event fee. Includes admission to all conferences and exhibits, all meals (Thursday evening through Sunday morning), the Thursday COPA Cabana event, Friday evening social event at the Aquarium, and the Saturday evening Banquet. Optional "Partner In Command" (for non-pilots) or "Rust Removal" (for pilots) flights in your aircraft are included subject to space availability.

Junior/Student Age 16-22 3-day Event-This registration type is valid only for a Junior (in the same household) accompanying an Adult registrant who is paying the full Adult event fee. They must register together using a single payment. Includes admission to all conferences and exhibits, all meals (Thursday evening through Sunday morning) and evening social events, and optional Spa program. "Rust Removal" flights (for licensed pilots only) and optional "Partner In Command" flights (for non-pilots). Optional programs are included without additional charge subject to advance registration and space availability.

Child/Youth Age 5-15 3-day Event-This registration type is valid only for a child/youth aged 5-15 (residing in the same household and registering together using a single payment) accompanying another registrant who is paying the full Adult event fee. Includes the Camp COPA youth activity program and all meals (Thursday evening through Sunday morning). This group has a separate program and do not attend the Saturday Banquet.

1-day registrations-Includes a single day of access as listed above in the 3 day registrations, and a single contiguous evening event for the period chosen.  For example, Thursday evening event plus Friday daytime activities (but not the Friday evening event); or all day and evening on either Friday or Saturday. 

Refund Policy
Registration may be canceled at any time prior to check-in, for any reason including weather, illness, personal reasons. Since we incur costs for arrangements made even in the event of a cancellation, if you cancel June 16 or later, a cancellation fee of 10% of the registration fee will be deducted, regardless of reason. There is no cancellation fee and you will receive a full refund if you cancel prior to June 16.

Payment accepted
Master Card, Visa, or American Express using our secure payment server is required during your registration.

EXHIBITION

All event times & descriptions are subject to change.

Speakers & Seminars

Speaker Schedule
COPA Migration seminars are considered among the best in the aviation industry and this year will be no exception! We have a great lineup, including an encore performance of Rod Machado-last with us at the second Migration (M2).

In additional to our perennial favorites including Mike Busch, Walt Atkinson, and Rick Beach, we will have seminars on adventure flying (exotic places Cirri have gone and can go), instructional sessions on subjects such as WAAS and high altitude flying.

Our sessions will include a panel discussion by Alan Klapmeier and key CD leaders who will update us on all things Cirrus. We've also designed this years' program to have a lot of general interest to non-flying partners. This is a program you don't want to miss.

List of speakers & sessions:

• Avoiding Weather Traps, Bill Frank
• Bonus Depreciation & Your Taxes, Lou Meiners
• Cirrus Accident Lessons, Rick Beach
• Cirrus Vision, Strategy and Status, Q&A, Alan Klapmeier & Cirrus Leadership
• Ditching & Survival, Doug Ritter
• Equipping Yourself to Survive - A Partner's Perspective, Susan Ritter
• Flight Data Monitoring, Scott Meacham
• Flying Canada and SE Alaska, Luke Lysen & John Fiscus
• Flying Southeast Asia, John Giddens
• Flying to South America, Thierry Pouille
• Journey to Dubai, Armin Stief & Timm Preusser
• Keynote Address - The State of COPA, Curt Sanford
• NASA Studies: Ground and In-flight Icing, Judy VanZante
• News from Avidyne, Dan Schwinn
• Panel: Cockpit Toys & Techniques, Mike Radomsky, moderator
• Panel: Flying Internationally, Lysen & Fiscus, moderators
• Panel: Law, Accounting, & Taxes, Dennis Haber - Moderator
• Panel: Stump the Instructors, Bill Frank, moderator
• Partner In Command 1.0, Mike Radomsky
• Physiologic Effects of High Altitude, Dr. Warren Jensen
• Reliability Centered Maintenance, Mike Busch
• Secrets of Cost-Effective Maintenance, Mike Busch
• Single Pilot Flying Strategies: Less Work, Greater Safety, More Fun, Rod Machado
• Speaking Fluent WAAS, John Fiscus & Luke Lysen
• What Every Airplane Owner Needs To Know About The Law, Dennis Haber
• Your Turbo Cirrus, George Braly

Factory Tours
Cirrus Design has generously agreed to provide tours of the Cirrus factory (including the new Jet facility) on Thursday, Friday, & Saturday (times to be announced). If you haven't seen how these aircraft are built, prepare to be impressed.  No advance registration is needed; you will be able to sign up during the event on a space-available basis.



Cirrus Jet
Last year Migration attendees were treated to the first public display of the full-scale mockup of the Cirrus Jet during the COPA Migration.  Cirrus Design has confirmed that the mockup will be on display again this year.  It will be front-and-center at Cirrus Design from Thursday through Sunday.  Plenty of time for everyone to try out all seven seats!

But the question that has been most on the mind of COPA members this year has "will we see the jet fly?" On July 3rd Cirrus announced a successful first flight of the jet, and while there are no guarantees, the chances seem good that Migration attendees will be the first to see the first flying Cirrus jet - in person!

Cirrus Perspective
The complete line of Cirrus aircraft will be on display, including the new Perspective avionics by Garmin.  Demonstration flights will be available.  The new FRASCA full motion simulator will also be available all day Friday and Saturday  with opportunity to fly with the new Perspective by Garmin flight deck and cockpit.

Trade Show & Exposition
In the exhibit hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, aviation exhibitors of interest to Cirrus owners and pilots will be showing their products and services on Friday and Saturday July 11 and 12, 2008.
Company / Booth 

• Aircraft Taxation Company 29
• Aero Credit Corp 28
• Aeromedix.com 8
• AeroTect 43
• Aero-Tow 22
• Air Graphics LLC 44
• AircraftLogs 25
• Alaris Aviation, LLC 27
• APS Emergency Maneuver Training 32
• Aviation Resources 36
• Avidyne Corporation 14, 15
• CenTex Aerospace Inc. 42
• Cirrus Design Corporation 19
• Cirrus Certified 20
• CO Guardian 48
• Doug Ritter 7
• EGTrends 38
• Forced Aeromotive Technologies 21
• Garmin International Inc. 45
• Hartzell Propeller Service Center 49
• Heads Up Technologies 2
• Heaven's Landing 37
• Jeppesen 9, 10
• L-3 Avionics Systems 5, 6
• Lightspeed Aviation 11
• LoPresti SpeedMerchants 12
• Mountain Air Country Club 17, 18
• NationAir Aviation Insurance 26
• Northstar Aerospace 4
• P&C Aviation 35
• Parker Cleveland Wheels and Brakes 41
• PM Research, Inc. 3
• Precise Flight, Inc. 31
• Savvy Aircraft Maintenance Management 1
• SimTrain, LLC 34
• St. Louis Aircraft Sales 16
• S-TEC Corporation 23
• Steel Aviation, Inc. 46
• Tanis Aircraft Products 24
• Teledyne Battery Products 50
• Teledyne Continental Motors 39
• The Flight Academy 33
• Tornado Alley Turbo 47
• Twin Cities Aviation, Inc. 30
• UND Aerospace 40
• VedaloHD Performance Sunglasses 13

Pilot "Rust Removal" Flights
COPA Migration offers pilot attendees an excellent opportunity to brush up on their flying skills. This popular program pairs Cirrus pilots with experienced Cirrus instructors, and will be operating every Friday and Saturday. These flights are available FREE to paid pilot registrants on a space available basis. This program fills up fast, so be sure to sign upearly. Practice short field landings and takeoffs, slow flight, stalls, IFR procedures - whatever skills you need a little practice with. Each pilot will need to have his or her Cirrus aircraft on-site.

Airplane Washing
Airplane washing will be provided on the Cirrus ramp by a local civic organization, with all proceeds going to the participating group. You may register on site during your check-in or at any time during the event. Advance registration is not required.

Weather, Weather, Weather!
Whether (ha, ha) it's planning for your arrival in Duluth or your hate-to-go departure, COPA and Cirrus will be your "Eyes in the Skies" providing professional weather information and updates to help you plan for safe flying.

Registered attendees who are not pilots are also welcome to attend all seminars and visit the exhibition hall. Pilots are also welcome at all spouse/partner/family events (See next page).  Young children registered in Camp COPA may not attend seminars.

Social Events & Family Programs

All event times & descriptions are subject to change.

Registered adults/juniors who are not pilots are welcome to attend any of the seminars and visit the exhibition hall.  In addition, the COPA Migration Fly-in will have a complete program of activities to keep family members entertained. Pilot registrants are also welcome at all of the events listed on this page.

Evening Social Events
During COPA Migration all attendees are treated to a series of entertaining and varied evening social events where they can connect socially with fellow COPA members. This year's cuisine will feature the bounty of the great Minnesota Northwoods.

Thursday night 7/10 - "COPA Cabana" 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Our lakeside Cabana party will take place of the lake shore at The Inn on Lake Superior. It will be a great kick-off for your Migration experience.  There will be many special treats - and great food and company - to be enjoyed during the Cabana party to keep you entertained throughout the evening.

Friday Night 7/11 - Social at the Aquarium 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
The Great Lakes Aquarium is a freshwater aquarium showcasing the natural beauty of the Northwoods. The Aquarium is home to a variety of species, including freshwater fish, playful otters, numerous birds in the walk-through aviary, and fun/educational kids' activities.  Enjoy the many exhibits, sip on a COPA Freshwater Cocktail, sample regional foods, and enjoy the company of your fellow COPA members.

Saturday Evening 7/12 - Banquet at the DECC  6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
The Saturday night banquet is the grand closing social event of the COPA Migration. Come early for happy hour and stay for an evening of Northwoods food and wine, entertainment surprises, and, most of all socializing with old and newly-made friends.  (Young children registered in Camp COPA - see below - have their own events and do not attend the Saturday Banquet.)

Partner In Command Seminar
Frequent Cirrus right-seaters need to understand and prepare for the unlikely eventuality that the pilot may become incapacitated during a flight. The material covers much more than simply "pull the parachute handle".

Does your partner know how to talk on the radio - even if isolated on the audio panel? What to say? How to squawk 7700? How to find and activate the ELT from the right seat? How to help a choking victim? How to recognize and react to Carbon monoxide poisoning? Hypoxia? How to use the autopilot to steer to a CAPS-suitable area? What to do on the way down? After landing?

These are among the many topics covered in the seminar, aided by an actual Cirrus cockpit (complete with CAPS parachute simulator), a beautiful set of panel photographs for home reference, and a booklet that also serves as a checklist for use in an emergency.

Partner In Command Flights 
Designed to get non-pilot Partners comfortable with the concepts taught at the Partner In Command seminar. Professional flight instructors will be available to transition you from the classroom to the cockpit - as you fly your own airplane (usually from the right seat). You must supply the Cirrus aircraft for your flight. Advance reservations are required. Flights will take place on both Friday and Saturday with limited slots available. Space is available on a space available, first come, first served basis. It is recommended that you register early in order to secure your spot.

Children's Program - Camp COPA

I had a lot of fun at camp COPA last year. Kids will totally love it! We played at the arcade, went to a sleep over, had fun at an indoor water park, and more! All of the kids and adults alike will have fun, because the kids will be away having fun so the adults can do their thing.

The first day we had the COPA carnival. The kids weren't bored; we had a bounce house there! So, while the parents talked, the kids were having the time of their lives. Everybody was doing tricks and seeing who could jump highest. That day was so much fun!

This year we will go to an aquarium, and get a behind the scenes tour of how it works. It will be sort of like a school field trip to learn, but much more fun. The adults will have their Friday night social. And, of course, the kids get their own food menu.

My personal favorite was the water park. We spent all day playing there. It had everything fun to do. It has slides, vortex pools, hot tubs, and even a lazy tube ride. There are practically no lines, and the food is awesome for when we have lunch there. That was the most fun part of the COPA trip.

So, all in all, I would say M5 was the best migration ever. We did so much more than even describable. We are counting on M6 to be even better but still, look forward to doing the fun stuff we did last year.
Christian - age 11

We have a weekend packed full of fun activities for COPA kids 5 to 15. Special Camp COPA counselors will keep your kids entertained and safe while you have a great time visiting friends, exhibitors, the spa, or flying.

We have special activities planned during the COPA Cabana on Thursday evening; the kids will get a special behind-the-scenes look at the Aquarium on Friday evening; and a pajama party on Saturday evening complete with video games, movies and popcorn!

Their days will be filled with fun stuff - The Edge indoor water park (be sure you pack their swimsuits) and Thrillz Arcade just to name a couple. Lots more surprises in store so sign up and stay tuned!!!

Important: only those children whose parents or legal guardians have executed all relevant registration forms and release documents may participate in Camp COPA.

Baby sitting services for children under 5 may be arranged prior to Migration for an additional fee. Advance reservations are absolutely required.

Spa Experience
Partners or Pilots may want to enjoy the Spa Experience courtesy of COPA, as part of your paid registration. You must indicate your interest in the Spa during your registration!

This year we have dedicated beauty professionals who have set aside the entire day - both Friday and Saturday - to meet your requests for pampering.
COPA has arranged for men and women alike to have a one hour complimentary service of their choice. Two Spas are opening their doors to provide massage, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, hair styling, facials and make-up application. And they are fabulous!

Call personally to make your appointment - and if you are in town and want to book additional services, be sure to identify yourself as a COPA member. Both salons are putting together some terrific specials and packages just for you.

SPA ON THE CANAL 218-279-4000 On Canal Park
SHEER KATZ 218-720-3688 On Superior Street in the Fitger's Complex

You must indicate your interest in the Spa during your registration!

NEW! - Early Arrival Activities

In response to folks who have asked "what else can we do while we are in Duluth?" our tem has arranged a number of unofficial activities for Wednesday and Thursday, so if you arrive a day or two early you can enjoy some of the many summer activities this beautiful area has to offer. Here's a sampling to make your Wednesday and Thursday memories as special as official Migration activities you have come to love. (Fees associated with these activities not included in registration.)

GOLF
FORE! We have COPA's name reserving 30 tee times for foursomes at four gorgeous golf courses in Duluth and Superior Wednesday and Thursday from 9am - 3pm. Don't want to bring your clubs? No problem. You can rent. We'll shuttle you and you can decide to ride or walk the course.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge
An absolutely beautiful one hour drive away to one of Minnesota's most beautiful and difficult courses. It‘s at a ski resort and we would enhance the trip with a "tour of the iron range" given by two of Cirrus' key leaders in quality control and engineering.
www.giantsridge.com
Wednesday, July 9th and Thursday, July10th -We have two tee times on each day at 10:40 and 10:50.
Departure from Inn on Lake Superior 9 am
Trip and Iron Range tour 9-10:25am
Arrival at Giants Ridge 10:30 am
Tee times: 10:40 and 10:50 for 18 holes
Return trip 3:00 pm for arrival in Duluth at 4:00 pm
Fees, rentals etc on website.
 
Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, Wisconsin
www.nemadjigolf.com
Thursday, July 9th - We have 10 tee times between 9-10:30,
for foursomes, for 18 holes.
 
Enger Park Golf Course in Duluth Minnesota
www.golfinduluth.com
Wednesday, July 9th - We have 10 tee times reserved for foursomes for 18 holes, scheduled in both the morning and afternoon.
Enger Park Golf Course is at the top of the hill overlooking Canal Park, the Lift Bridge and the city of Duluth.
 
Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth
www.golfinduluth.com
The Lester Park Golf Course is on the Lester River at the east end of Duluth. - We have 10 tee times starting at 11:00 and the invitation to stay for lunch there. We have reserved for foursomes for 18 holes.

SEA KAYAKING
Now here's a totally accessible adventure! 4 hour guided tours with one of the top outdoor adventure clubs in the US - also available all day Wednesday and Thursday, right down on waterfront for kayaking enthusiasts or the beginner. Tours include paddling in the harbor amidst those huge tankers, or up the St. Louis River, birding and enjoying Minnesota wild life. Adults and kids welcome.  Our trips will be four hours in the morning or afternoon on Wednesday and Thursday. Cost will be $45/person. Website for more information

DAY SHOPPING TRIPS TO THE MALL OF AMERICA
Skyline Shuttle whisk you away at 9 am for a comfortable two hour ride to Bloomington and the front doors of Minnesota's famed Mega Mall. Shop, lunch and board again at 3:00 for your return trip. You'll be back by 5:15. Trips can be adjusted to earlier starts and longer stays on Wednesday for you hard core shoppers. Thursday you'll roll in just in time for kicking off the COPA Cabana party.

Sailboat Races on Lake Superior - Spectator Sport
Ahhh this is the life. Join in watching Wednesday evening summer sailboat races on Lake Superior by sitting out behind the IOLS for a perfect view of 20-30 beautiful sailboats traveling the course, coming about and hoping to catch the wind to cross the finish line first. If you want to walk, the Boardwalk affords an equally excellent view, or you can take to the beach on Park Point and swim or walk as you watch.

Lodging & Transportation

Hotels

Lodging is not included in the price of your Migration registration.  It is up to you to arrange the accommodations that best suit your needs.  Duluth is a popular vacation destination and early room reservations are essential.  Last-minute attendees should insure that lodging is available before registering for Migration.

COPA has negotiated special lodging rates at the following hotels (ask for the "COPA" or "Migration" rate when you register)

Inn on the Lake Superior
350 Canal Park Drive
 Duluth, MN 55802 888-668-4352, 218-726-1111
Located in the popular Canal Park area of Duluth, The Inn on Lake Superior is located right on the shore of Lake Superior and has many rooms that look directly onto the lake. This is a classic Duluth vacation hotel with many amenities including a complementary buffet breakfast.  A great family hotel!

Fitger's Inn
600 E Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 800-348-4377, 218-722-8826
Fitger's Inn prides itself on pampering its guests with classic intimate European-style service. Fitger's is a place where gracious hospitality, attentive service, exciting cuisine, and a luxurious environment have become time-honored traditions. Also located on the Lake shore. A casual continental breakfast is included.

Canal Park Lodge
250 Canal Park Drive
 Duluth, MN 55802 800-777-8560, 218-279-6000
This newest lake shore property has 116 well appointed rooms all featuring refrigerators, microwaves, and free wired & wireless high speed internet access. Enjoy the beautiful view from one of the lakeside balcony rooms or lounge in one of the spacious hot tub suites. Located next to the Inn on Lake Superior.

Additional hotels of interest in the area are: Comfort Suites; Edge Resort & Waterpark; Hawthorne Suites; Holiday Inn; Radisson Hotel; Sheraton Hotel; South Pier Inn; Voyageur Lakewalk Inn, Hampton Inn.

The Edge Resort and Waterpark is not on the lakefront but is a great family option and will provide a special rate.

Transportation

Ground Transportation in Duluth
Unless you have specific plans or special needs, a rental car is not recommended.  All transportation related to the Migration event will be provided.

Shuttles will be running from the Cirrus ramp at the airport to the above-listed hotels; from the hotels to the convention center; and from the hotels to all social events, beginning Thursday, July 10th and continuing through Sunday, July 13th [times to be announced . All of the suggested hotels are in the heart of the lake front district with shops and restaurants very near by.  The vast majority of Migration attendees do not rent a car.

Fly-In Aircraft
Once you've arrived at the Duluth airport, you'll be marshaled into the largest group of parked Cirrus aircraft in the world, you and your bags will be whisked to a welcome and check-in at Cirrus Design.  Transportation to your hotel will be waiting.

There is no need to make any advance arrangements with the FBO for parking. You will be able to arrange for fuel or any other needed  or  services as part of the check-in process.

Airline passengers
Duluth International Airport is served by Northwest Airlines with many flights from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit.

Migration attendees who arrive in Duluth via commercial air will receive courtesy transportation to Cirrus Design for event check-in and transportation to your hotel. We will provide further information on scheduling courtesy transportation including hours of operation in an event update by email.