Airport Receives Pilot Association Award

Airport Receives Pilot Association Award


Colorado Pilots Association at its annual meeting on November 4 gave airport recognition awards to Stevens Field in Pagosa Springs and Harriet Alexander Field in Salida. The awards are part of a recognition program in which members of the organization, based on their flying experiences, identify and make recommendations of those Colorado airports that have gone out of their way to provide exceptional services and facilities for General Aviation. Separate awards are typically presented annually to a Commercial Service and a General Aviation airport. This year both awards were given to airports in the general aviation category in consideration of the extraordinary effort and contribution to growth of aviation in Colorado.

The award to Stevens Field was given in recognition of efforts over the last three years to revitalize the airport through a major construction program that converted the airport into one of the most outstanding facilities serving Colorado mountain recreational areas. One of our members wrote, “The new general manager Bob Gobitz has brought new energy and enthusiasm to the operation and has created a new atmosphere of professionalism and friendliness that is welcomed by local pilots and serves as an enticement for visitors to the area.” Unfavorable soil conditions at the airport caused serious pavement failures and severely limited types of aicraft that could operate there. With the current improvements the facility now has capability of accommodating aircraft of weights up to 75,000 pounds gross weight. Willingness to undertake the development demonstrates a recognition of the value of air access to Pagosa Springs and gives further testimony to this community's support for General Aviation.

The Harriet Alexander Field award was given in recognition of its contribution to General Aviation by airport management and staff that truly care about the welfare of visiting aircraft as demonstrated by outstanding efforts in accommodating the needs of visitors. As one member wrote, "Airport manager Carl Hasselrink greets arriving pilots with a smile and helpful information related to flight planning as well as information about local restaurants and accommodations. On hot days he provides bottled water to the cockpit as soon as the aircraft taxies to parking. There are numerous tie downs and three courtesy cars available for arriving pilots and passengers. In the event that all three of the city cars are being used, Carl offers the use of his personal vehicle. If anyone in Colorado deserves this award, Carl should be at the top of the list.” This airport is one of the rare exceptions to business as usual and a delightful stop for General Aviation travelers.

Colorado Pilots Association is a statewide organization of over 700 members dedicated to making Colorado a better, safer, and more desirable place to fly. Objectives of the organization are to promote General Aviation, flying safety, protect the rights of the flying community, and to provide information and assistance to the general public in aviation matters. For more information about the association, visit their web site: www.ColoradoPilots.org

Pagosa Springs Daily News: Airport Receives Pilot Association Award