Flying Together: Highlights From the 2025 UPAC Convention

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Flying Together: Highlights From the 2025 UPAC Convention

By Shiv Ram Krishna, EAA 1549613

The Ultralight Pilots Association of Canada (UPAC) welcomed aviators, builders, and enthusiasts from across the country to its 2025 convention. Under sunny skies and with Canadian flags flying proudly, the airfield became a hub of aircraft displays, technical learning, and community fellowship.

A Canadian Welcome

Registration began at the familiar wooden booth, where UPAC volunteers greeted guests with warmth and efficiency. The membership desk provided renewals, merchandise, and information, reinforcing the grassroots spirit that makes this gathering a highlight of the flying season.

Volunteers welcomed attendees at the rustic registration booth, proudly decorated with Canadian flags.
Volunteers welcomed attendees at the membership desk.

Aircraft on Display

The flightline reflected the diversity of ultralight aviation in Canada. From a modern amphibious ultralight to vintage taildraggers, sleek composite designs, gliders, and hang gliders, every corner of the community was represented. A standout was the Shark aircraft, drawing attention with its 162-knot cruise, 1,200-mile range, and seven-hour endurance.

The sleek Shark aircraft drew admiration for its speed and range.
A modern amphibious ultralight showing versatility on land and water.
Hang gliders lined the edge of the field, adding colour to the sky.
A sleek glider parked at the hangar, showcasing the variety of aircraft present at the UPAC Convention
Colorful low-wing ultralight on display near the main tent, drawing attention from attendees
Classic yellow taildragger parked alongside other ultralights, adding vintage charm to the convention lineup.

Knowledge & Safety First

Education and safety were central themes.
– David Donaldson led a recurrent training seminar emphasizing best practices in ultralight operations.
– John Baker provided valuable updates on Rotax engines, a mainstay powerplant in the community.
– Uwe Goehl’s presentation from Transport Canada provided important regulatory updates:

  • Transition to 406 MHz ELTs by November 25, 2025.
  • Introduction of digital licensing for pilots and TC app.
  • Considerations regarding light-sport aircraft (LSA) standards under the FAA’s MOSAIC framework, with UPAC proposing to expand AULA (Advanced Ultralight Aeroplane) design standards.
  • AIM updates (March-October 2025).
  • Closing thought: “A rising tide lifts all boats” — underscoring that regulatory progress benefits the entire aviation community.

Attendees filled the hangar for safety and regulatory seminars.

Food, Fellowship, & Exhibits

The ever-popular Café Les Aires, hosted by EAA Chapter 115 of Plattsville, Ontario, served meals throughout the day, while picnic tables filled with conversation. Vendors displayed avionics, parts, and accessories, while prize draws added excitement. The convention also featured an important discussion on the availability of new insurance options tailored for ultralight pilots and owners.

Café Les Aires kept pilots and families well fed.
Exhibitors engage with visitors at the UPAC Convention, with aviation gear and accessories on display

Looking Ahead

The 2025 UPAC Convention reaffirmed why ultralight aviation thrives in Canada: freedom, innovation, and community. From seminars to social gatherings, the event celebrated both the heritage and the future of flight. As the last aircraft departed, the message was clear — UPAC remains the heart of ultralight flying in Canada.

Arrivals and departures at the UPAC Convention — a busy grass strip with ultralights and homebuilts lined up under clear skies.

 

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