Collingwood’s aviation scene has a rich history and uniquely close-knit community, replete with aviation entrepreneurs, globetrotting pilots, history buffs and self-described “hangar bums” of every generation.
by Annie Vogel // Photography by Annie Vogel & Anya Shor
As the snow melts and golden fields turn green, Collingwood’s Escarpment bursts into a lush, verdant embrace of the town. The lively hum of cars along Hurontario Street, the splash of paddlers launching their kayaks into the lake, and the joyful cries of children leaping off the pier create our town’s summer soundtrack. Amid these sounds, another melody weaves through the air—a steady hum carried by cool breezes. High above, the whirr of aircraft engines punctuates the sky, capturing the curiosity of some while going unnoticed by others. Here, the beauty of Georgian Bay is taken in from the ground and in the sky.
Just a few miles southeast of Collingwood’s bustling downtown lies a charming airport that many aircraft call home. Collingwood Airport is a hub of activity, offering a 5,000-foot paved runway that accommodates planes of all sizes, from private jets to light aircraft. The airport features executive-size hangars for private jets and smaller hangars for passionate aviators. It boasts a world-class flight school with one of the most advanced fleets in the country and a welcoming kitchen that serves home-style meals to hungry pilots and their passengers. These amenities and the beautiful surrounding landscape have fostered the growth of a unique aviation community.
“Well, we are lucky! For better or worse, we have a bunch of permanent hangar bums; we have people who are there for a purpose or to learn to fly. We are lucky to have a place to go and play airplanes.”
Murray Kot
Our community, known for its rich shipbuilding history, also boasts a deep-rooted aviation heritage that dates back to the Second World War. This legacy began when Clyde Aircraft Manufacturing began operations in town, producing parts for the renowned de Havilland Mosquito bomber. Another pivotal player in Collingwood’s aviation history was the Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, which built ejection seats for the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck twinjet interceptor/fighter. These pioneering companies laid the foundation for a thriving aviation industry in Collingwood.
Beyond its rich industrial heritage, Southern Georgian Bay has been a notable destination for pioneering aviators, including the legendary Amy Johnson. Among her many achievements, Johnson was the first female pilot to fly solo from Britain to Australia, in 1930. She arrived on the shores of Wasaga Beach intending to fly a de Havilland aircraft, the Seafarer II, to Baghdad. Enchanted by the area, she remarked, “It is so delightful here; I think we should call this flight off and enjoy some holidays right here on this beach.” There are even rumours that Amelia Earhart landed at Wasaga Beach during a visit in 1933. On August 8, 1934, Wasaga Beach witnessed a moment of historical importance when Canadians James Ayling and Leonard Reid embarked on the first successful overseas flight from Canada, utilizing the beach’s naturally long, straight shoreline as their runway.
With a rich history intertwined with notable figures and landmark events, our community’s story is far from over. As Canada’s aviation landscape evolves, general aviation at Collingwood Airport is alive and well. Aviators of all ages pass through the gates, sharing tales of daring exploits abroad and embarking on new aviation adventures. What sets this community apart are the close bonds formed among pilots, intertwining their lives and stories in a truly special way. The Collingwood aviation community is vibrant and notably youthful, thanks to the active Collingwood Flying Club and frequent hangar events and parties. It’s rare to find so many young adults deeply involved in the general aviation scene, but Collingwood Airport boasts an abundance of them, ushering in the next generation of aviators.
Every community has its iconic figure, someone who marches to the beat of their own drum and captivates everyone with their storytelling. At our airport, that person is Murray Kot, a first-generation pilot with decades of flying experience and a treasure trove of thrilling stories. A kind man with a genuine demeanour, his blue eyes sparkle with curiosity and a hint of mischief, making it clear to everyone who meets him that he is the real deal.
Continuing the family tradition, Murray recently purchased a small airplane for his three grandsons, ensuring that they, too, will follow in the family’s aviation footsteps. Reflecting on this, Samantha shared, “It’s a full-circle moment—once being introduced to aviation as a child, and now doing the same for our boys. It’s fascinating to relearn aviation through their eyes, watching their interest and passion grow.” She adds, “Seeing Stevie, our one-year-old son, point at airplanes is truly amazing. It’s incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. The bond they share with the family through aviation is so special. We all love going to the airport; it’s our happy place.”
By a stroke of good fortune, Murray found himself reunited in Collingwood with his long-time friend and fellow aviator, Don Schmor, with whom he flew at Ward Air, an iconic Canadian airline. Don recently retired as an Air Canada captain on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after 34 years of service. In his retirement, Don got his flight instructor rating back after 40 years and channelled his passion for aviation into a meticulous six-year project, restoring a Fleet 80 Canuck. This labour of love preserved a piece of aviation history and strengthened the bonds within the Collingwood aviation community by creating something for aviators to crowd around.
When speaking about the general aviation community at Collingwood Airport, Don said, “It’s mainly the people that I enjoy there. Everyone has such diverse backgrounds, and joining the community reinvigorated my passion for flying little airplanes.”
A long-time family friend of the Kot family, Nate Couchman, along with his family’s Piper Pacer, also calls this slice of paradise home. The Pacer originally belonged to his father, who passed away in 2019, and a special memorial flyover was organized in 2020 to honour the aviator.
“Aviation is a challenging undertaking, and it is nearly impossible to go at it alone,” said Nate. “It takes a village, and we are really lucky in that we were able to find a group of like-minded individuals. Some days, you might not do any flying, and that’s cool too. It’s the community and conversation that makes us better pilots.” Nate, an avid outdoorsman, operates the airplane on skis during the winter months, flying in and out of various northern lakes for ice-fishing trips. His wife Melissa Couchman and their two boys, Cal and Freddy, share his love for airplanes and frequently join him on his adventures, creating cherished family memories in the skies.
A skilled mechanic is indispensable when you have a significant gathering of airplanes. In 2018, Adam and Traci MacCabe relocated their aircraft maintenance business, Macizzle Aero, to Collingwood. This dynamic, young family-run business services hundreds of general aviation aircraft, specializing in aerobatic airplanes. Adam’s passion for aviation began in grade five when he dedicated his life to the field. In 2019, his expertise led him to join Team Canada as a Red Bull Air Races technician. Today, he continues to service high-performance aircraft for top-tier airshow performers, ensuring these aviation marvels are always in peak condition.
Reflecting on his journey, Adam expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support. “I didn’t have any family members involved in aviation, so I had to figure things out on my own. But if someone has a strong desire and willingness, there is a strong community to support them,” he said. Now, as a father of two young girls, Adam and Traci are excited to pass their passion for aviation to their children. “Having our kids play with other children at the airport is truly special,” Adam shared, highlighting the unique family bond forged through their shared love of aviation.
Collingwood Airport recently welcomed Canadian Olympian dressage rider Megan Lane, who has embarked on an exciting new career path. Every winter, Megan travelled to Florida for qualifiers, where general aviation caught her interest. Her mom had always said she would make a great pilot. “The second I walked into the airport in Florida, I had instant goosebumps and thought, ‘Oh my god, this is exactly what I want to do.’” Megan is now working towards her commercial pilot’s license, with the ambition of becoming an airline pilot. Transitioning from mastering equestrian skills to handling a 180-horsepower engine comes with a learning curve, but many skills cross over. “When you’re on the horse or in the plane, there is a lot of connection between feeling and staying ahead of it. There’s a bit of the unknown, so you need a solid knowledge base and the ability to think on your feet.” Megan is training at Genesis Flight School, applying her dedication and discipline to the skies.
It’s challenging to summarize the life stories of every pilot who flies out of Collingwood Airport. Still, the essence of Collingwood’s aviation community is not so much about the individuals as the magic that develops when all these people come together: young or old, generations of pilots supporting each other like family, creating a close-knit circle that fosters growth and camaraderie.
Since its inception in 1998, the Collingwood Flying Club has been a beacon for recreational aviation enthusiasts, offering a more economical way to take to the skies. At the heart of the club’s fleet is a 1968 Cessna 177 Cardinal, tirelessly serving its 12 dedicated members, particularly during the vibrant summer months. Now, the club is eager to welcome new members to its ranks.
Peter Glen, a longstanding member, explains, “While our club is thriving, we are beginning to see the effects of ‘aging out,’ with two shares currently available. Interestingly, our newest members have been recent retirees to the Collingwood area, who have rekindled their passion for flying and reactivated their private pilot qualifications. Through our partnership with Genesis Air, we provide a unique and appealing opportunity for these pilots to regain their licenses and access affordable flying.”
Prospective members need to hold a private pilot’s license with at least 75 hours of flight time and agree to purchase a share in the club. If you’re a licensed pilot looking to rediscover the joy of aviation or continue your flying adventures, the Collingwood Flying Club offers the perfect gateway.
As for me, after spending the last 10 years in the general aviation community, I can attest that Collingwood is unlike any other. I have learned so much from my dear friends and incredible mentors. Whether we are recounting a fun flight, troubleshooting mechanical issues or teasing each other about a bumpy landing, there isn’t a dull moment. My husband Marcus and I live and breathe aviation, and we plan to fly around these hillsides for many years to come, hopefully encouraging and ushering future generations to join the ranks.
For years, I’ve quoted Amy Johnson when sharing the importance of general aviation, saying, “I think it is a pity to lose the romantic side of flying and simply to accept it as a common means of transport.” Fostering community at airports like this one is incredibly important to preserving the magic of flight, and we intend to make sure it’s here for our children to enjoy.
