A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1478079
19 Meanwhile, the training team solicited a base report from a United aircraft they were working into MTJ and knew if N340 got down to about 11,000 feet, they should get into Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Eventually, N340J broke out of the clouds and reached VMC conditions, however they were not able to see the airport immediately due to a layer of ice covering their windshield. The ice gradually broke free from the windshield and other parts of the aircraft allowing the aircraft to regain positive control, get the airport in sight for a visual approach, and land safely. "I am extremely grateful that this event had a positive outcome," Zakrzewski said. "Bad things do happen. Pilots may know what to do, but they might not. If we are confident and calm, that might be all that the pilots need to help move them from one task to the next." When asked what the award means to them, Zakrzewski and Morgan were both full of gratitude for the people on their team. "We have a lot of excellent controllers here at Denver Center. As far as NATCA, I'm extremely proud to be just a small part of this," Farmer said. "We are in this together and I am thankful that NATCA is there to be that for all of us." "Thanks to the quick actions of Morgan Farmer and Jake Zakrzewski, the pilot of N340JS/C340 that was losing altitude due to severe icing was saved that day. We couldn't be more proud of these two members as they displayed the best qualities in response to this crisis. They were calm, composed, and perfect in their decision making. We are extremely proud to have these two excellent controllers be the recipients of the 2022 Archie Medal of Safety Award for the Northwest Mountain Region." - Alex Navarro III , Northwest Mountain Regional Vice President