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On April 2, 2019, this particular sector at ZMP was
staffed with a partially-certified radar controller,
Shane Boulds, and a partially-certified radar
associate controller, Justin Dokken. They had worked
a Cessna 172 Skyhawk (N9181P), with a student pilot
at the controls, south through their sector and had
initiated a handoff to Grand Rapids (GRR) approach.
GRR called back via the landline and advised that
the pilot of N9181P was having some difficulty
navigating in the windy conditions and was turning
back to return to Traverse City (TVC).
When the pilot checked back in, she indicated that
she had hit her head in the bumpy conditions, was
having some trouble navigating, and wanted to
land at a nearby airport. Boulds began to describe
available airports with the weather sequences. It was
determined that the pilot was flying a solo flight and
was not fully comfortable with her situation.
The pilot decided to land at Big Rapids (RQB) which
had a strong crosswind component. Boulds used his
own flight experiences to help keep the pilot focused
and calm. He used several techniques to limit the
amount of stress for the pilot and helped her to stay
engaged in her training and rely on the lessons she
had learned.
As the Skyhawk neared Big Rapids and was making
a visual approach, Boulds maintained radio contact
Shane Boulds and Justin Dokken,
Minneapolis Center
GREAT LAKES REGION
