Grand Canyon National Park Pilot Galen Howell Recognized as 2020 NPS Aviator of the Year

News Launch Day: December 17, 2020

Make contact with: Joelle Baird, 928-638-7609

Grand Canyon, AZ – Galen Howell, preset wing pilot at Grand Canyon National Park, has been selected as the 2020 Countrywide Park Provider (NPS) Aviator of the 12 months. This award acknowledges an personal who has executed mission(s) of substantial consequence and valor or has actively promoted the improvement or recognition of an NPS aviation method, mission or services. This award is specified to 1 particular person, after a yr.  

NPS Nationwide Aviation Manager, John Buehler, states, “Galen is a legitimate asset to the total NPS aviation system.  His aviation awareness, aviation competencies, and perseverance to the program is remarkable, and the NPS Nationwide Aviation Business is psyched to have the possibility to admit his contributions.” 

Howell has served the NPS for 12 yrs as an FAA licensed flight instructor and Section of the Interior (DOI) mentor pilot for the NPS Developmental Pilot System. Howell is an knowledgeable and dependable pilot who offers primary and innovative flight functions instruction for new and experienced pilots. His techniques and judgement have been known as on by the NPS National Fleet Aircraft and Pilot Specialist to ascertain a pilot’s potential to fly in the hard environments identified in the nationwide parks.

Howell’s practical experience has gained him two in-flight motion awards for safely and properly dealing with in-flight emergencies. In addition to furnishing vital mentoring and teaching to NPS pilot and pilot-candidates, Howell teaches and delivers mentoring to non-pilots beneath the DOI Pinch-Hitter class. Howell proactively trains to fly air-attack missions for wildland fireplace functions and annually supports interagency coaching for the Arizona Countrywide Guard, providing a realistic simulation for each Blackhawk helicopter pilots and ground crews. 

Buehler states, “Howell’s ongoing advertising and progression of the NPS aviation program is over and past the conventional pilot posture and is a large gain to the NPS.”