Grant Bailey is a recreational pilot who has been flying for 47 years. He has logged over 1,300 hours as pilot-in-command and holdsboth a night and seaplane rating. Grant has owned seven aircraft including a 1946 Cessna 140, 1964 Lake LA-4, 1967 Mooney M20-F, 1951 Taylorcraft 19, 1963 Cessna 150C, and his current airplanes, a 1956 Piper PA-22 Tripacer and a 1946 Aeronca 7AC Champ. 

In 2007, after five years of work, he completed a frame-up restoration on his 1951 Taylorcraft in the Owner Maintenance category. 

Grant is a past Captain of COPA Flight 23 in North Bay and currently serves on the Board of Directors of North Bay Jack Garland Airport. Grant is a professional engineer who recently retired after a 40-year career in the rail industry with extensive experience in operations, maintenance, regulatory affairs, and senior management. He has lived, worked, and flown in all regions of the country from Quebec to British Columbia and is intimately familiar with Northern Ontario, having lived in both Thunder Bay and North Bay for over 20 years. In addition to rail experience, Grant has had a lifelong interest in aviation. 

He possesses a broad knowledge and understanding of airplanes, airports, and general aviation matters. 

He is putting his name forward for the Northern OntarioDirector’s position with the desire to see COPA continue to:

• Attract new members and pilots;
• Ensure that recreational aviation remains accessible to future generations;
• Support COPA Flights and aviation events that contribute to the camaraderie in aviation;
• Promote and facilitate safety and professionalism in aviation;
• Provide information, support, and member benefits to aircraft owners and pilots;
• Act as the unified voice for owners and pilots when dealing with government or public affairs that affect general aviation.

With his years of general management experience, his grassroots flying experience, and his time spent around airports, Grant hopes to provide a positive contribution to the COPA Board of Directors representing Northern Ontario.