Two Chicago Center controllers guided the pilot of a general aviation plane with icing conditions, a lost localizer and low fuel to a safe landing. A team of three Seattle Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) controllers directed the pilot of a plane that had run out of fuel at 3,200 feet to the nearest airport. A Denver Center controller saved the life of a pilot and his wife by instructing the pilot’s wife to an emergency landing route after the pilot became incapacitated from lack of oxygen during the plane’s ascent.
These three remarkable flights assists, and seven others from around the country were honored at the National Air Traffic Controllers Association’s (NATCA) eighth annual Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet, part of NATCA’s annual safety conference.
Named for the first air traffic controller, the NATCA Archie League Medal of Safety Awards honor the skill, dedication and professionalism that NATCA members exemplified in 2011 in the pursuit to save lives in emergency situations.
“I congratulate each of the winners for their incredible performance during these unpredictable situations to make sure they ended safely,” said NATCA President Paul Rinaldi. “They each displayed the professionalism, composure and quick-thinking that defines our profession, and I am so proud they are a part of the NATCA family.”
Honorees are:
- ALASKAN REGION: Kristina Kurtz, Anchorage TRACON
- CENTRAL REGION: Todd Mariani, Kansas City Center
- EASTERN REGION: Matt Reed, Potomac TRACON
- GREAT LAKES REGION: Guy Lieser, Steve McGreevy, Chicago Center
- NEW ENGLAND REGION: Chris Henchey, Ryan Workman, Boston Center
- NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN REGION: Charlie Rohrer, Denver Center; Ken Greenwood, Josh Haviland, Ryan Herrick, Seattle TRACON
- SOUTHERN REGION: Alvin Kent, Atlanta Center
- SOUTHWEST REGION: Frank Fisher, Greg Fleetwood, Corpus Christi Tower/TRACON
- WESTERN PACIFIC REGION: Kevin McLaughlin, Southern California TRACON
For more information: NATCA.org
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