By Jack Dueck, Ex-Chair, EAA Canada Council
On September 14, 2023, Keith (Hoppy) Hopkinson was inducted into Canada’s 50th Aviation Hall of Fame.
His induction reads: “For his lifelong contributions to Canadian civil, military, and commercial aviation, most notably for the development of homebuilding aircraft and for his development and leadership establishing supporting organizations and associations, Keith Hopkinson was inducted into Canada’s Hall of Fame at ceremonies held in 2023.”
Keith was born in Pembroke in 1915, and at 21 years of age, began his flying training with the Hamilton Aero Club. He earned his private pilot license in 1938, his commercial license a year later, and his flight instructor certificate in 1940.
Just after World War II began, he moved to Goderich’s Sky Harbour airport where he became a founding instructor at the flying school established there in June 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
With the end of the war, Keith remained in Goderich and seizing the opportunity, opened up a new business ferrying surplus aircraft (mostly Harvards) across Canada; more than 400 in 1948 alone.
But his vision extended far beyond. Continuing to operate Sky Harbour as a flight training school, he opened a charter aviation business and air ambulance service as well as an aircraft dealership.
Hoppy’s love for aviation went beyond his success at Sky Harbour. He worked tirelessly to promote aviation. Helping to establish EAA in Canada, he also helped to organize the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA).
Hoppy’s journey down the homebuilt aircraft path began in the early 1950s when he began building a Stitts SA-3A out of his home. Working with Paul Poberezny of the newly established EAA, Hoppy convinced Transport Canada to allow the construction and registration of his homebuilt airplane.
The following article was penned by Canadian homebuilder Rem Walker: “Keith Hopkinson of Goderich Ontario under the authority of Flight Permit Number 001 made the first flight in an aircraft constructed under Department of Transport Regulations that recognized homebuilt aircraft in Canada on Oct. 3, 1955.” His aircraft named Little Hokey today resides in the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
Tragically, Hoppy was killed in an attempted approach into Goderich airport in 1964, but the effects of his accomplishments continue to this day.
The following data (paraphrased) was obtained from the MD-RA (Ministerial Delegates – Recreational Aircraft).
July 6, 1956, the Department of Transport first issued requirements for ultra-light aircraft that was eventually renamed amateur-built aircraft. In 1988, BULA (Basic Ultra-Light Aircraft) officially returned as a new category, and on June 1, 2003, Transport Canaca included AULA (Advanced Ultra-Light Aircraft). Unfortunately, current statistics available on the Transport Canada web site only go back to 2000. They show:
Amateur-built — 4491
BULA — 6742
AULA — 1257
Additionally, the MD-RA has data showing approximately 2,800 amateur-built aircraft registered before 1995.
This shows the incredible growth of the recreational aircraft movement in Canada since that first flight by Hoppy and Little Hokey in 1955.
But also consider the effect on the business world. How many parts and kit manufacturers have sprung up? How many personnel are employed, and how many happy memorable hours have been spent building, flying, and maintaining these aircraft? How many lifetime friendships have been forged?
So, Hoppy, with this induction you have come “full circle.” You have been recognized for all your work. With our grateful respects, Godspeed! Godspeed!