Jan Harry Sørensen, a well-respected air traffic controller, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 79. He hailed from Tromsø and embarked on his career in air traffic services after completing his military service at the Norwegian Air Force surveillance station in Sørreisa. Sørensen began his journey as an assistant air traffic controller in Banak and Kirkenes before moving on to work at Tromsø Airport. In 1977, he completed his training at the Air Navigation Services Directorate's air traffic control school at Værnes, followed by full air traffic controller training in England.

Throughout his career, Sørensen was noted for his proficiency and professionalism in managing air traffic, which earned him a reputation as one of the industry's finest. His dedication was not only limited to his immediate roles; he also harbored a strong passion for flight simulation. Sørensen built his own flight simulator, which he operated alongside like-minded enthusiasts for many years, helping to foster a community of aviation fans and future air traffic controllers.

Sørensen's contributions to aviation and his commitment to training and mentoring have left a lasting impact in the field. His legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of air traffic controllers, marking the importance of dedication and continuous learning in aviation. His passing is a significant loss to the Norwegian aviation community, where his skills and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.