Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Pelly Bay (July 30/01) - It's a job with a view, low stress and daily work outs.

Observer-communicator Greg Makittuq climbs three flights of stairs to his perch in Kugaaruk/Pelly Bay's airport tower Monday to Friday.

Greg Makittuq, one of three observer- communicators at Kugaaruk's airport. - Kirsten Murphy/NNSL photo

He is specially trained as a weather watchdog for pilots arriving in and departing from the community. Climate, not colours are his business.

"I had nothing to do with the painting of the building," he says, referring to the terminal's dashing pink trim and lime green railings.

Snow or shine, summer or winter, the 26-year-old files weather reports. He chats with incoming and outgoing pilots inquiring about flight conditions. Occasionally, pilots stop in and visit.

Makittuq is one of three "OCs" employ-ed by the hamlet. After scoring the highest mark on an aptitude test four years ago, Makittuq was selected for training.

He was flown to Fort Smith -- a very nice community, he says -- for a nine-week course and started his job.

Work is good, he says, time-off for hunting and sports is better. "I don't seem to have much time."

When not on the land, Makittuq enjoys volleyball, floor hockey, basketball and badminton. Like other community members, he anxiously awaits the official opening of the community's new gym sometime this summer.

Future plans include a foray south, perhaps to work.

"I love it here but there's not much to do after a while," he says.

During his 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift, he checks the weather hourly. Data are filed with CARS -- the Community Aerodrome Radio Station.

So far, no emergencies have arisen in his four-year career. Even so, he's well aware of the important link he plays for the aviation community.

"We are the pilot's eyes and ears," Makittuq says.