Thursday June 25 - Sunday June 28, 2009 

Duluth, Minnesota

The annual COPA Migration is the biggest event of the year for Cirrus pilots. In June 2009, 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. Two flight programs (for pilots and non-pilots alike), lots of activities for pilots and their families. 

Speakers & Seminars

COPA Migration seminars are considered among the best in the aviation industry and this year will be no exception!

This year’s featured speakers are John and Martha King. Pilots throughout the world know John and Martha and regard them as their personal aviation mentors. King Schools continues to revolutionize pilot training by pioneering the development of multimedia training programs on many aviation subjects including ground-breaking programs on aviation risk management.   Anticipated speakers & sessions:

The Kings will be joining us and delivering not only a keynote topic each day, but will also be our featured speakers at Friday night’s banquet.  The always insightful Alan Klapmeier will also be once again giving us his insights into Cirrus Aircraft developments, as well as other speakers from the company.  COPA President Curt Sanford will again present his Presidential Keynote this year to another combined session of attendees.

Other topics this year will include several Cirrus specific flight safety talks and analysis, as well as presentations from several Cirrus equipment manufacturers.  The mechanically inclined (or impaired) will be informed and provided valuable insights from one of the real gurus of maintenance, Mike Busch.

List of speakers & sessions

The speaker schedule is not yet complete and will be posted as soon as finalized.

Trade Show & Exhibition

Last year over 40 exhibitors attended and exhibited in our exhibition hall.  This is a great opportunity to learn about new products and discuss your aircraft systems directly with representatives of the manufacturers.

This year's exhibitor list is not yet available and will be posted as soon as possible.

Last year's exhibitors:

•  Aircraft Taxation Company   •  Aero Credit Corp   •  Aeromedix.com   •  AeroTect   •  Aero-Tow   •  Air Graphics LLC   •  AircraftLogs   •  Alaris Aviation, LLC   •  APS Emergency Maneuver Training   •  Aviation Resources   •  Avidyne Corporation   •  CenTex Aerospace Inc.   •  Cirrus Design Corporation   •  Cirrus Certified   •  CO Guardian   •  Doug Ritter   •  EGTrends   •  Forced Aeromotive Technologies   •  Garmin International Inc.   •  Hartzell Propeller Service Center   •  Heads Up Technologies   •  Heaven's Landing   •  Jeppesen   •  L-3 Avionics Systems   •  Lightspeed Aviation   •  LoPresti SpeedMerchants   •  Mountain Air Country Club   •  NationAir Aviation Insurance   •  Northstar Aerospace   •  P&C Aviation   •  Parker Cleveland Wheels and Brakes   •  PM Research, Inc.   •  Precise Flight, Inc.   •  Savvy Aircraft Maintenance Management   •  SimTrain, LLC   •  St. Louis Aircraft Sales   •  S-TEC Corporation   •  Steel Aviation, Inc.   •  Tanis Aircraft Products   •  Teledyne Battery Products   •  Teledyne Continental Motors   •  The Flight Academy   •  Tornado Alley Turbo   •  Twin Cities Aviation, Inc.   •  UND Aerospace   •  VedaloHD Performance Sunglasses  

Flights & Airport Activities

Factory Tours
We expect to again be able to offer Cirrus factory tours thanks to the generous cooperation of Cirrus Aircraft. (days/times TBD)

Cirrus Aircraft Display
The complete line of Cirrus aircraft will be on display, including the new Perspective avionics by Garmin.  Demonstration flights will be available.

Full Motion Simulator 
We expect Cirrus to make their FRASCA full motion simulator available 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 26 and 27.

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 (in their own Cirrus aircraft) with experienced Cirrus instructors.

Social Events & Family Programs

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 we have two new venues for both our Banquet (now on Friday) and our Fly Away Social (on Saturday).

Thursday night  - "COPA Cabana" Mixer"
Our lakeside Cabana party will take place on 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 Banquet  - Greysolon Plaza Ballroom
This year the banquet is Friday instead of Saturday.  This new venue is the jewel of the former Hotel Duluth, the historic ballroom has been restored to its original splendor with huge chandeliers, ornate decor and spacious facilities.  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.  

Saturday Evening Fly Away Social - Grandma's Sports Garden
COPA is taking over Grandma’s Sports Garden, just steps away from the Canal Park hotels, has been the site of Migration socializing in years past. This informal, family-friendly event will include lots of hors d'oeuvres and an available bar at one of the most entertaining restaurants you’ve ever seen.

Whether you have an early departure or can kick back and stay late, everyone is bound to have a great time.  For those interested, a separate weather briefing will be presented during the evening to give fly-in attendees a preview of Sunday's weather.

Partner Program
This program is designed especially for the right-seat partner. These special seminars will give participants new insight into the ins and outs of flying, leading to a major leap in the level of his or her enjoyment in every flight.  There are two separate programs.

• The highly acclaimed Partner In Command (“PIC”) course by Mike Radomsky takes the group through the details of how to handle an emergency in a Cirrus in a classroom environment. An actual Cirrus cockpit with CAPS parachute demonstrator will let you feel what it's like to pull the handle in an emergency.  Drop-ins are allowed, but please indicate your interest when you register so we can plan ahead..

Partner Flights with a certified flight instructor in your own available Cirrus will be conducted all day Friday and Saturday.  Limited availability, advance registration is absolutely required. Subject to cancellation or change due to weather or last-minute flight instructor availability. This year there will be very limited availability of the Cirrus Simulator for those who do not have access to an aircraft.

Children's Program - Camp COPA
Camp COPA is guaranteed to keep your kids entertained during Migration. We’ve chosen a host of supervised activities that will appeal to all age groups and your kids are welcome to participate in any or all of the activities. This year will include age group specific activities as well as the return of many popular favorites, including visits to the video game parlor.   Baby sitting services for children under 5 may be arranged prior to Migration for an additional fee. Advance reservations are absolutely required.

Your Migration Vacation - Bonus Activities

Duluth, Minnesota - on Lake Superior (the world’s largest lake) is a premiere destination for summer recreation in the Midwest, and activities abound both in town and in the surrounding area.  COPA is planning a number of activities both before and during Migration, so family members and attendees alike can enjoy the activities beyond the core program.  (Fees associated with these activities are not included except where stated.)

Spa Experience
Partners or Pilots may want to enjoy the Spa Experience at no additional cost with your paid 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. The Spa is opening its doors to provide massage, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, hair styling, facials and make-up application.  And it is fabulous!

GOLF
FORE! (Payment for these events will be made on-site, not included in your registration)

• Giants Ridge, Minnesota’s finest golf course located in Biwabik, a scenic 90 minute ride from Duluth. Golf & transportation $132/person. 
• Northland Country Club. Thursday 6/25 - Play 18 and enjoy lunch with Cirrus President and CEO Brent Waters. $100/person including golf and lunch.
• Black Bear Casino & Golf.  $75/person including golf, lunch and transportation.

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.  

Overnight Shopping Trip to the Mall of America & Albertville
Wednesday 6/24. $100/person. Includes bus, hotel, and breakfast. This year’s overnight option takes you from Duluth to The Inn on Lake Superior’s sister hotel of luxury in Albertville, home of one of Minnesota’s spectacular Outlet Malls. You’ll shop and enjoy Wednesday night away before heading out the next morning for the Mall of America. Then after full day of shopping in Bloomington, you’ll board the bus with your COPA friends, bags and all, and head for Duluth, arriving in time for the COPA CABANA opening night party. Trip subject to sufficient interest.  Pay on-site. 

Sea Kayak – Minnesota White Water 
Wednesday - Saturday. $75/person. Includes kayak, transportation, lunch, and group guide.  Now here's a totally accessible adventure! 2 hour guided tours for kayaking enthusiasts or beginners.  Adults and kids welcome.  Trip subject to sufficient interest.  Pay on-site. 

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 as it may book up.

COPA has negotiated special lodging rates at the following hotels (ask for the "COPA" 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. It’s a place where gracious hospitality, attentive service, exciting cuisine, and a luxurious environment have become time-honored traditions. Also located on the Lake shore, just a short walk up the shore on the scenic Lake Walk.  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. 

Sheraton

 301 Superior Street Duluth, MN  55802
218-733-5660

New in 2006, the Sheraton brings its worldwide reputation for excellence in comfort and service to Duluth. Located on historic Superior Street, right next door to The Greysolon (this year’s banquet venue) the Sheraton offers 147 beautifully appointed guest rooms, Bennett’s 301 – a lovely upscale on-site restaurant; pool and exercise center.

Additional hotels of interest in the area are: Comfort Suites; Hawthorne Suites; Holiday Inn; Radisson Hotel; South Pier Inn.

Ground Transportation in Duluth

Unless you have specific plans or special needs, a rental car is not recommended.  All transportation related to Migration events 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, June 25th and continuing through Sunday, June 28th [times to be announced.] All of the suggested hotels are in the heart of the lake front district with shops and restaurants nearby.  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 Inn at Lake Superior.  Transportation to your hotel will be available.

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

If you have unanticipated maintenance needs on your flight to Duluth, Monaco and Cirrus Aircraft will have service personnel available all weekend.  Due to the busy event, please do not expect to have routine service performed unless you have arranged for it in advance.

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  may receive courtesy transportation to the event check-in and transportation to your hotel.  Airline travelers should telephone [contact number] upon arrival for pick-up.  If you arrive outside the above days or hours you will need to provide your own transportation to your hotel.