Chris Cooper-Slipper:
CLASS OF 1966
Richview Collegiate InstituteClass of 1966
Etobicoke, ON
Chris's Story
I left RCI in 1966 and got a job right away at Field Aviation as an aircraft fueler and ramp attendant . I had always been interested in airplanes ever since the time my dad took me flying in a de Havilland Tiger Moth in 1954 as an eight year old from Barker Field, a then small airport near where Yorkdale Mall sits today.. I learned to fly in 1966 and rather than pursue a career in commercial aviation, I opted for a career in general aviation and ultimately, aircraft sales. Initially I became an aircraft sales rep and demo pilot selling the Beechcraft line of aircraft throughout Canada. I found that the business side of aviation suited my interests more than that of being a full time commercial pilot. I then moved to de Havilland of Canada and spent 4 years in the early 70's selling Twin Otters but returned to Field Av in 1976 and would stay there until I left in 2016. At Field Av.. I ran their international aircraft and parts sales divisions for many years. During that time we represented some of the industries leading aircraft manufacturers of new business and general aviation aircraft and operated an aircraft broking division specializing in used commercial , utility and military aircraft and helicopters. Selling and flying combined were the best of both worlds for me. In looking back I think I've been very fortunate to have sold aircraft...Expand for more
and flown on flight demonstrations on almost every continent. I attended Humber College and York University on a part time basis after leaving RCI studying business administration. and marketing. Toward the end of my career at Field Av I became involved in marketing and business development. I retired on my 70th birthday on January 4/16. Not ready for full time retirement, I established Coopair Aviation Resources, a small business providing aircraft broking and consulting and advisory services to the general aviation industry. I worked in the aviation industry for my entire working career, some 55 years, with de Havilland, Field Aviation and on my own. I married Pat Toms, RCI '68 and we recently celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary. We have a daughter Jessica, RCI '97 and two grandsons. In addition to my business interests, I remain connected to the aviation community as a member of the board of advisors of Seneca College's school of aviation and until recently, a member of the board of directors and vice chair of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame, of which my late dad Mike is an elected member. Pat and I live in Etobicoke, just off The Kingsway, not far from RCI, where it all began. I very much enjoy reading other RCI grad's profiles and hearing how their lives turned out and what careers they pursued.. Always very interesting. Cheers, Chris
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