Fort Simpson (Mar 19/04) - Of the 17 Community Aerodrome Radio Stations in the NWT, Fort Simpson's crew has been declared the best for 2003.

Observers/communicators at the Fort Simpson airport earned the Community Aerodrome Radio Station of the Year award for 2003. From back left: Jermaine Gargan, Jay Koidhis and Tim Brown. Seated is supervisor Josh Chappin. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

The Department of Transportation's airports division bestowed the honour on the four local employees.

"I thought it was great," said Josh Chappin, who supervises the Fort Simpson CARS. "It's nice to see that we're recognized for the hard work we do ... and we're appreciated for what we do." They are responsible for collecting weather data and communicating with pilots 24 hours a day.

Fort Simpson converted from flight services status to being a CARS close to three years ago.

There have been some glitches in the overall system, but helicopter pilot Dawson Somerville said contractor ATS Services has worked hard to iron them out.

The observers/communicators in Fort Simpson are competent and professional, he said.

"They're really good, really quite friendly," said Somerville. "They seem to be aware of their capabilities... I give them full marks, for sure."

Barb Brown, manager of aviation programs for the GNWT's airports division, said the Fort Simpson employees have been "a great asset."

"They're an excellent addition to the CARS system," she said.

Michael McLeod, minister of transportation, sent a letter of commendation. It reads, "It is, in part, through your continuing perseverance and dedication that the aviation community in the North is operating safely."