Dane County Regional Airport receives the 2016 ALPA Airport of the Year Award.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At its 63rd Air Safety Forum today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) honored Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, Wisc., as its 2016 Airport of the Year for its collaborative approach to keep aviation safety the top priority by regularly seeking input from industry stakeholders.

“The Dane County Regional Airport team clearly understands the importance of staying ahead of the safety curve at all times,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president. “The airport proactively solicits ALPA pilots’ expertise and feedback on numerous issues, which ultimately helps mitigate potential operational issues down the road. Dane County Regional Airport is a stellar aviation safety partner, and ALPA commends its tactical, cooperative operating philosophy.”

One recent project of note at MSN was the installation of a new instrument landing system on the airport’s main runway, which helps provide precision navigation guidance to approaching aircraft during adverse weather conditions. Airport officials thoroughly communicated construction plans and other airport developments to ALPA and aviation stakeholders, keeping safety at the forefront of the process and directly increasing the level of safety.

“Our airport has a tremendous positive impact on our community and I am thrilled it has been recognized with this prestigious national award of excellence,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.

ALPA’s Airport and Ground Environment Group selects the Airport of the Year from nominations made by ALPA’s regional airport safety chairmen and airport safety liaisons who represents pilots’ interests at more than 150 airports in the United States and Canada. Nominations range from small regional airports to some of the busiest airports in the world, but all nominees share a common commitment to the highest safety standards.