Blake Crosby
@fly.blakecrosby.com
🇨🇦 Pilot and Nerd all rolled into one. IG: http://instagram.com/drunkwithjetlag Web: https://fly.blakecrosby.com/
I wrote a Windy plugin that overlays smoke aloft. To install: Click on Options, Install Windy Plugin, Load Plugin Directly from URL windy-plugins.com/1108003/wind... Once it loads, select: “Column-total PM2.5 Smoke” from the product. #forestfire #flying #aviation #avgeek
For all of the Ontario Pilots out there. I've created a @foreflight.bsky.social content pack of all of the practice/training areas for the flight Schools. Check out: fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/07/onta... Stay safe out there! #flying #aviation #avgeek
Ontario Flight School Practice Areas
A flying buddy of mine asked if there was a way to display all of the practice areas that are used by the local flight schools. I created this ForeFlight Content pack for you to upload to your iPad.
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🔥 With wildfire season upon us. I've put together an interactive map using my Visibility Risk Matrix. Check out fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok... #flying #aviation #avgeek
After crunching all the numbers, my summary of the data is live. If you are curious about how pilots flew the circuit at uncontrolled airports in 2025, read my latest blog post. fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/06/pilo... #flying #aviation #avgeek
Pilots Love Arguing About Circuit Entries. So I Looked at the Data.
At uncontrolled airports, everyone has an opinion about the “right” way to join the circuit. Some pilots love the overhead join, yet others treat straight-ins like a war crime. Adding fuel to the fire...
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Before I officially publish my findings, I need a second set of eyes to help me validate the data. If you have time, can you take a look at my new Uncontrolled Airport Circuit Study data and let me know if anything weird pops out at you. #flying #aviation #avgeek fly.blakecrosby.com/mid-field/
Mid-Field — how Canadian GA pilots join the circuit
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This is probably the best history of the phonetic alphabet that I've come across. Super interesting. #flying #aviation #avgeek www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAT-...
The genius logic of the NATO phonetic alphabet
YouTube video by RobWords
youtube.com
After months of testing. I'm ready to open up beforeyoufly.ca to the public. A simple free service that allows you to subscribe to updates from Nav Canada every time they publish a new Aeronautical Information Circular or AIP Supplement. Filter by FIR and update type. #avgeek #flying #aviation
Can Trigger NOTAMs help fix NOTAM overload? NAV CANADA’s new 14-day Trigger NOTAM approach isn’t just administrative housekeeping, it’s an attempt to improve how critical flight information is surfaced. Read all about it in my latest post. #flying #aviation #avgeek
How Nav Canada Is Making NOTAMS Better
In November 2023, Nav Canada introduced the “Trigger NOTAM”. So called trigger because they don’t contain detailed information to the pilot in the NOTAM it self. But “triggers” you to look up the…
fly.blakecrosby.com
Over the past few weeks I’ve shared my thoughts on advocacy, engagement, and the future of the GA community in Canada. This final piece focuses on preparing COPA for what’s ahead. With voting now open, I’d be honoured to have your support. #flying #aviation #avgeek #generalaviation #canada
Preparing for Sustainability & Long-Term Relevance
General aviation is entering a period of real change. To stay relevant, COPA needs to become more data-informed and forward-looking in how it operates.
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Canadian Airports where MLAT for surface detection is enabled at YYZ, YYC, YUL, YVR. Which *requires* all vehicles to have an operating transponder.. It is based on ICAO's A-SMGCS system. I've put together a list of sources here. #flying #aviation #avgeek fly.blakecrosby.com/avops-at-can...
AVOPs At Canadian Airports
AIM RAC 7.2 states: “Multilateration (MLAT) increases air traffic service (ATS) situational awareness of aircraft and vehicles on the ground allowing them to safely manage ground movements…
fly.blakecrosby.com
Following up on my blog post last June (fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok...). I'm developing a tool to better visualize forest fire smoke induced visibility for VFR pilots. A tool to get "real world" visibility values due to how particulate matter and humidity reduces vertical and slant visibility.
Running for the COPA Board means listening, not just talking. I’m hosting a live Q&A today. Ask me anything, challenge ideas, or just come see what I’m about. Let’s talk about where COPA goes next. 🗓️ March 19: 7PM ET. ✅ RSVP: fly.blakecrosby.com/copa2026 #flying #aviation #avgeek
Building a Stronger COPA Together
Blake Crosby is a nominee for the COPA Board of Directors and shares his priorities for strengthening membership, advocacy, and long-term sustainability.
fly.blakecrosby.com
Aviation organizations worldwide are struggling to attract younger pilots COPA included. If we want the next generation to see value in COPA, we need to meet them earlier in their journey. Here’s how I plan to help make that happen. #avgeek #flying #aviation #copa
Welcoming & Reflecting the Next Generation
COPA already plays an important role in supporting the next generation of pilots through its scholarship programs and outreach efforts. Continuing and strengthening that presence is essential.
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The future of Canadian aviation won’t be shaped only in boardrooms or policy meetings. It will also be shaped around breakfast tables, fly-ins, and BBQs at local airports. What I've learned over the past few weeks speaking to COPA Flights. #flying #aviation #grassroots #copa #avgeek
The Two Cultures of Aviation Community
Over the past few weeks I’ve been reaching out to COPA Flights across Southern Ontario. My goal has been simple: listen to what local chapters are seeing on the ground.
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If my vision for strengthening COPA’s community through mentorship, better member feedback, and modern communication resonates with you, I invite you to read my latest post on advancing member engagement and supporting the next generation of Canadian aviators. #flying #generalaviation #copa #avgeek
Advancing Modern Member Engagement
My Priorities for COPA’s Future Aviation has always been built on community. Pilots share knowledge, help each other learn, and pass experience from one generation to the next.
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If my vision for stronger, smarter advocacy at COPA resonates with you, I ask for your support in the upcoming election. #flying #aviation #avgeek #copa @copanational.bsky.social fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/02/stro...
Stronger, Smarter Advocacy
My Priorities for COPA’s Future Effective advocacy isn’t about volume. It’s about credibility, preparation, and sustained engagement. For COPA to remain influential, we must strengthen communication…
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As a candidate for the COPA Board of Directors, I’d like to share my philosophy on leadership. I’ve written a short piece on why governance clarity matters and why it’s foundational to COPA’s future. #flying #aviation #avgeek #copa
Strong Boards Build Strong Organizations
Good governance isn’t sexy or flashy and it doesn’t make headlines. When it’s working well, most members never think about it. But when governance becomes unclear, when roles blur, oversight weakens, ...
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I'm proud to announce that I am running for a position on the Board of Directors for COPA. For more information on why you should vote for me, please see my campaign platform. fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/02/stre... @copanational.bsky.social #flying #aviation #avgeek #copa
Strengthening COPA for the Future of Canadian Aviation
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is the national voice for general aviation in Canada. For decades, it has worked to protect airport access, advocate with government, promote safety, ...
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Canadian Pilots: I've put together a notification system for when new AICs are published by Nav Canada. You can filter by FIR or update type. Notifications straight to your inbox with one-click unsubscribe. beforeyoufly.ca #flying #aviation #avgeek
For all the 🇨🇦 pilots out there. New IFR currency rules coming this summer. (Thanks @peacewind.aero for the heads up) fly.blakecrosby.com/2026/01/new-... #avgeek #flying #aviation
New IFR Currency Rules in May, 2026
When it comes to IFR currency in Canada, all pilots know the "6-6-6" requirement: 6 Approaches 6 Hours of instrument time in 6 months Under the current regulations, instrument-rated pilo...
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I'm selling a 50% share of Plane Jane! More info: planejane.ca
1971 PA32-300 For Sale
This is your chance to own a 50% share in C-FQYH. A 1971 Piper Cherokee Six.
planejane.ca
Planning a VFR flight in smoky conditions? Check out my visibility risk matrix. 0: most likely VMC. 3: Most likely IMC. Read More: fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok... #flying #aviation #avgeek
Frustrated with trying to predict visibility in smoke. I've created a "Visibility Risk Matrix" to help plan VFR flights during forest fire season. Learn how aerosols and humidity can affect in flight visibility in my latest blog post. #aviation #flying #avgeek fly.blakecrosby.com/2025/06/smok...
Smoked Out: When Wildfire Haze Turns VMC into IMC
Wildfire season in Canada typically runs from May to September. Over the past 20 years of flying, it’s become clear to me that wildfire seasons in Canada have grown not just longer—but more intense. I...
fly.blakecrosby.com
Top Google Searches that make it to my blog: 1. C172 PAX Briefing Card 2. LVP a precision or non precision approach 3. How to transit through YYZ airspace 4. IFR Flying In Canada 5. VOR Time Check 6. How to fly at an uncontrolled airport 7. Airway vs. Air Route fly.blakecrosby.com #avgeek #aviation
✈ Fly With Blake
Follow along with a Canadian Pilot
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