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Air Traffic Controllers Honored for Saving Lives |
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Ten air traffic controllers whose skill and on-the-spot actions helped avert what could have been deadly accidents are winners of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) Archie League Medal of Safety awards.
The 10 are credited with nine “saves” in 2006—meaning they assisted pilots to land safely, avoid collisions or overcome instrument failures.
They include:
Mike Darling, a veteran controller at Los Angeles International Airport, whose quick warning to a departing United Express turbo-prop about a regional jet that was—despite instructions to hold its position—about to cross the departing plane’s path allowed the United Express to pull the plane up early and clear by 50 feet the regional jet.
Stephen Schmaltz, at the Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center, who twice talked pilots in trouble to safe landings. The first involved a pilot who suddenly found himself in conditions that required instrument flight rules for which he was not qualified. Schmaltz guided him through the winter clouds to a safe landing. The other involved a pilot who lost all the aircraft’s instruments when the electrical system failed. Able to pull just enough juice to operate the radio, the pilot sent a distress call and Schmaltz talked him through a safe descent.
Bernie Nelson, at the Richmond (Va.) Air Traffic Control Tower, whose decisive action prevented a Beech Baron from descending directly on top of a Lear jet as both attempted to land.
Click here to read the details of all the winners’ saves.
The award named for Archie League, the first air traffic controller, salutes controllers who display extraordinary skill to ensure safety in critical situations.
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