Six Controllers Recognized During Archie League Awards
Ceremony
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation on Tuesday night honored six air
traffic controllers for their roles in helping general aviation
pilots in trouble land safely. The commendations were presented
during the Archie League Awards banquet at the National Air Traffic
Controllers Association’s Communicating for Safety
conference.
"Air traffic controllers are an invaluable resource in the
general aviation cockpit," said Bruce Landsberg, president of the
AOPA Air Safety Foundation. "Pilots' and controllers' common goal
is the safe conclusion of every flight. And when a pilot needs
assistance, especially if he or she is the only person on board,
the controller's calm voice at the other end of the radio can be
exactly what's needed to get safely down to the ground."
Landsberg
presented commendations for controllers from six of the FAA's
regions.
Eastern Region – Mark Duncan was honored
providing outstanding assistance to a Cessna 150 pilot over
mountainous terrain in Instrument conditions. The VFR pilot
reported being on top of the clouds, was low on fuel and having
radio problems.
Great Lakes – Dean Pesato was honored
for providing outstanding assistance to a Columbia 400 pilot who
suffered an engine failure over mountainous terrain at night.
Northwest Mountain Region – Mike Naiman
was honored for providing outstanding assistance to a Mooney pilot
in instrument conditions. The pilot reported icing and needed
vectors. Low ceilings and icing conditions required several
diversions until a suitable airport was found.
Southern Region – Brent Evans was
honored for providing outstanding assistance to a Piper PA28 pilot
over flying mountainous terrain. The pilot reported icing, engine
roughness along with the loss of navigation and communications
equipment with a failing electrical system.
Southwest Region – William DeBolt was
honored providing outstanding assistance to a Cessna 210 pilot in
instrument conditions. The pilot reported a loss of flight
instruments and was suffering from vertigo. After providing an
attempted approach the flight was diverted to VFR conditions.
Western Pacific Region – Jason Hughes
was honored for providing outstanding assistance to a Cessna 182
pilot over flying mountainous terrain. The pilot reported icing and
needed vectors. After determining that the first alternate was not
suitable, vectors through high terrain were provided at minimum
altitude.
In all six cases, the controllers' efforts resulted in safe
on-airport landings with no injuries or damage.
"Pilots should never be concerned about asking for a controller
assist," said Landsberg. "The controllers are there to help, and
oftentimes their help is the difference between a safe landing and
an accident."
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