WESTERN
PACIFIC
WESTERN
PACIFIC
REGION REGION
(BUR) and Whiteman ATCT (WHP) to
stop inbound traffic to VNY. He also worked
with both local and ground controllers, the
supervisor, airport operations, and emergency
vehicles to ensure synchronized efforts.
As N51467 prepared to land, the pilot asked
Kozik a simple question. "Do you got any
advice for me on the way down?" Drawing on
his experience as a pilot, Juanpere provided
Kozik with guidance he could relay to the
student to help him land safely. The aircraft
touched down without further damage, and the
pilot walked away unharmed.
VNY controllers and pilots describe the airport
community as a family. "As a pilot, I know
many of the pilots here, and they know me by
name. I see them as family, and my purpose is
to take care of them," Juanpere said.
Congratulations to the 2026
Western Pacific Region Archie
League Medal of Safety Award
recipients: Peter "PJ" Juanpere
and Steve Kozik!
By Ariana Seimas
(Retired from Fresno ATCT, FAT)
21
