Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (July 29/02) - Karen King, the airport manager in Hay River, is leaving for new opportunities.

She will be assuming the same role at the airport in Inuvik.

"The airport is much busier," she says. "The challenges are going to be much greater."

King explains, in her line of work a person's ability is judged on the number of traffic movements at an airport.

"And I just love the land of the midnight sun, and that was a factor, too," she adds.

King began working at the Hay River Airport eight years ago, as supervisor of surface and structures. She became acting airport manager in 2000 and permanent manager in November of last year.

Her career at airports actually began in Inuvik as a heavy equipment operator. "The foundation for the career was laid at the Inuvik Airport."

She later worked in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie before coming to Hay River.

King will leave the Hay River Airport in mid-August and start her new job in September. In Inuvik, she will also be responsible for the Aklavik and Fort McPherson airports.

King spent part of her youth in Inuvik. Her father was in the navy and transferred to Inuvik when she was in Grade 10. She finished high school there and went on to study heavy equipment operation at the former Adult Vocational Training Centre in Fort Smith.

At the time, it was an unusual career choice for a female, she says. "Was it ever."

She now advises any female interested in a non-traditional trade to go for it. "It's not as tough as it used to be. The doors have been opened."

She laughs and notes that advice comes from someone who, as a heavy equipment operator, often had to dye her clothes because the grease stains wouldn't come out.

King, 44, was born in New Brunswick, but moved often in her navy family, another reason she offers for her move to Inuvik.

"I think that's the navy blood of moving," she says. "I'm ready for another adventure."

She will be accompanied to Inuvik by her husband and two of their children.

Looking back on her time as airport manager in Hay River, King says the most satisfying aspect was providing a safe airport surface for every arrival and departure.