Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 5, 2007

RANKIN INLET - The ranks of friendly voices who help Northern pilots fly more safely grew by five this past month.

Nunavut Arctic College's Kivalliq campus in Rankin Inlet graduated its fifth intake of students in the Community Aerodrome Radio Station (CARS) observer communicator training program.

The program was moved to Rankin in 2005 from Fort Smith in the NWT.

An observer communicator carries out weather observing to an international standard, and codes and sends that data to Environment Canada for use in the preparation of forecasts and other related products.

They also operate the radio at local CARS stations to relay weather, traffic and other safety information to pilots on the ground and in the air, making them the foundation of aviation safety at Nunavut airports.

The fifth intake was instructed by Janet Sainsbury and Paul Constantineau.

Sainsbury, who instructed the program at Fort Smith for a four-year period, replaced Bill Taylor when he retired earlier this year.

To date, 26 people have graduated from the program in Rankin.

Sainsbury said the fifth course intake was a bit smaller than usual.

She said the program began with eight students, but three decided to come back and complete the course at a later date.

"We ended up with only five graduates this time around, but all five are hard working, bright, articulate young people," said Sainsbury.

"It was a treat to work with them and I look forward to flying into their airports."

Sainsbury said all five graduates are guaranteed work in their community, although they will have to complete an on-the-job certification during their first five shifts with an aviation programs officer from Nunavut Airports.

She said students don't come to Rankin for the CARS program unless there's a job waiting for them in their home community.

"We expect a larger class when the next course intake begins on Jan. 8, 2008.

"The transition between Bill (Taylor) and I was as smooth as butter at the Kivalliq campus.

"Bill and I were able to work together for a few weeks before his retirement and he left everything in tip-top shape for me."

The college's contract with Nav Canada to provide the CARS observer-communicator program is in place until March 31, 2009.

Nunavut Airports and the college will be negotiating a new contract before the current one expires.

Sainsbury said one member of the recent graduating class left Rankin with something a bit more special than the traditional graduation certificate.

"Charlie Nakoolak went back to Coral with a certificate and a new baby.

"His wife was in town with him and gave birth while he was on the course.

"So, he was able to enjoy his new family while he was studying, and that's a handful to do."