OTTAWA, Nov. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - NAV CANADA is proud to announce that David
Longman, Flight Service Specialist at Lloydminster, Alberta, is this year's
recipient of the Air Traffic Control Specialist of the Year Award for Flight
Service. Bestowed by the Washington-based Air Traffic Control Association
(ATCA), the award recognizes exemplary or extraordinary service performed in
support of air traffic control.
Longman was celebrated for his efforts in helping an 18-passenger
aircraft narrowly avert disaster at Lloydminster Airport, during severe
weather conditions on June 21, 2007.
The 21 year-old Flight Service Specialist was working the radio position
as a Central Mountain Air flight was set to take off on the departure runway.
With thunderstorms in the area, Longman advised the captain of convective
activity and a dark wall of precipitation close to the airport.
As the plane was a few hundred yards down the runway, he noticed a
significant, dangerous tail wind, forming as a microburst and alerted the
captain of the rapidly worsening conditions. With the tail wind now gusting up
to 40 knots, the captain rejected the takeoff scant seconds before rotation.
"David's swift and decisive action exemplifies the dedication and
commitment to safety that NAV CANADA employees constantly strive for," said
Rudy Kellar, Vice President, Operations. "David is a skilled and dedicated
Flight Service Specialist who, at a young age, is already living the values of
this important group of aviation professionals. We're pleased and proud to see
his excellent work recognized with this prestigious international award."
Longman also earned praise from the Central Mountain Air captain. In a
letter of commendation, he cited the urgent call warning the crew of the
dangerous microburst, saying that his assertive and authoritative
communication was integral to the subsequent reject of the takeoff roll.
He had been working as a Flight Service Specialist for just under one
year at the time of the incident. Both his father and mother have careers in
Air Traffic Services working at the Edmonton Flight Information Centre and the
Villeneuve Control Tower.
The medallion was presented on November 4, 2008 by Peter Challan,
Chairman Elect of ATCA at the association's annual awards ceremony held in
Washington D.C. Upon presentation of the award, Longman was cited for his
situational awareness, swift action and clear, authoritative communications.
His efforts had earned him recognition from NAV CANADA earlier this year
with a Chairman's Award for Employee Excellence in the category of Safety.
Visit the NAV CANADA website for photos of David Longman.
www.navcanada.ca
ATCA is a non-profit, non-government, professional organization.
Established in Washington, D.C. in 1956, membership is open to all who share a
common interest in promoting and encouraging the advancement of aviation and
air traffic control. The governing body is composed of representatives from
all segments of the aviation community.
NAV CANADA, the country's civil air navigation services provider, is a
private sector, non-share capital corporation financed through publicly-traded
debt. With operations coast to coast, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control,
flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services,
airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation.
For further information: John Morris, Director, Communications, (613)
563-7032; Ron Singer, Manager, Media Relations, (613) 563-7303; Nadège Adam,
Advisor, Media Relations, (613) 563-5972; Media Information Line:
1-888-562-8226
