okikuma
Member
I received news yesterday afternoon that BOTH Phil and Joan Aune have passed away due to the injuries they received from a motor vehicle accident earlier this month. My deepest condolences, and prayers for the entire family and friends during this time of sorrow and grief.
My friendship with Phil goes back 40+ years. Phil was an Air Traffic Controller at Van Nuys Airport from 1959 to 2006. In fact, on the day of his retirement, Phil was the oldest Air Traffic Controller in the USA, retiring at 70 years of age. Many on this forum I'm sure have seen the film ONE SIX RIGHT and have seen Phil speaking about himself as an Air Traffic Controller.
Returning home to Van Nuys Airport after along flight, hearing Phil's calm and soothing voice on the tower frequency saying, "Cleared to land, welcome back home," made me know I was truly home and safe. It is comforting to know that Phil is now in the cab of the Celestial Control Tower telling every aviator requesting clearance, "Cleared to land, welcome home."
Rest in peace Phil and Joan.
Wayne
My friendship with Phil goes back 40+ years. Phil was an Air Traffic Controller at Van Nuys Airport from 1959 to 2006. In fact, on the day of his retirement, Phil was the oldest Air Traffic Controller in the USA, retiring at 70 years of age. Many on this forum I'm sure have seen the film ONE SIX RIGHT and have seen Phil speaking about himself as an Air Traffic Controller.
Returning home to Van Nuys Airport after along flight, hearing Phil's calm and soothing voice on the tower frequency saying, "Cleared to land, welcome back home," made me know I was truly home and safe. It is comforting to know that Phil is now in the cab of the Celestial Control Tower telling every aviator requesting clearance, "Cleared to land, welcome home."
Rest in peace Phil and Joan.
Wayne
