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work harder to determine the best course of action and give clear instructions that can be executed properly. Zeifman asked the pilot if he had the airport in sight and he responded that he did. After a back and forth discussion about where to join, the pilot was struggling on the visual approach to maneuver to the airport without getting too close to terrain. Zeifman continued to give suggested headings for the pilot to avoid the terrain, and suggested he fly over the field to ensure he had it in sight. Zeifman advised the pilot to make a 180 degree turn to the left to rejoin the lead-in lights for the approach. The pilot reoriented the aircraft and joined the final for Runway 8. After hearing about this incident, Miami Center Vice President and Disaster Response Committee Chair Tom Flanary nominated Zeifman for the Alaskan Region Archie League Award. "This example is the exact textbook situation that leads to controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) in so many cases," Flanary said. "Pilots think they know where they are, but they're usually around unfamiliar places. They're tired and get behind the power curve and then start rushing to make up for it. When they rush, they start making mistakes, usually descending too quickly, and end up colliding with an obstacle. Luckily, Gabe's attentiveness to the operation and situation allowed him to recognize the confusion early on, and because of that, he was able to clarify things and issue control instructions to the pilot before the situation unraveled, saving the pilot's life." 9 Sometimes a controller's intuition and willingness to look further into a situation can be the deciding factor in a potentially unsafe event. By staying focused and asking a few extra questions, Gabe likely saved the life of a pilot that was unfamiliar with the airport and the often harsh southeast Alaskan terrain. » Alaskan Regional Vice President Clint Lancaster:

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