Release #04.AWA
November 2, 2004

America West Pilot Honored With ATCA Chairman’s Award

Captain Brian Townsend is only pilot to receive ATCA award this year

PHOENIX—Captain Brian Townsend of America West Airlines today received the Chairman’s Citation of Merit Award from the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) for his outstanding efforts that culminated in the revision of arrival and departure procedures at McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

Captain Townsend is the only pilot this year to receive the Chairman’s Citation of Merit Award. The award was presented today during an awards luncheon held in connection with ATCA’s 49th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

“A great deal of effort went into redesigning the procedures at LAS to ensure predictable flight paths that could be depended upon, while minimizing noise for area residents,” said Captain CJ Szmal, chairman of the America West Master Executive Council (MEC), a unit of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). “We are pleased that Brian was recognized for his knowledge and expertise in helping to further the science of air traffic control and preserve a safe flight environment.”

Captain Townsend began his career with America West in 1990 and currently flies the Airbus, A319/320. He serves the America West pilot group as the lead ATC liaison on the MEC Central Air Safety Committee. Additionally, Captain Townsend is the chairman of ALPA’s National Airspace System Modernization Committee and vice-chairman of ALPA’s Air Traffic Services Group.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing 64,000 pilots at 43 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contact: Lydia Jakub (602) 306-1208