NATCA Bookshelf

ArchieAwards 2024_Final

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1526830

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 27

20 On a seemingly ordinary day, Dallas North (DN) position accepted a radar hando from Fort Worth ARTCC (ZFW) for N814DB, a VFR BE58, destined for McKinney Airport (TKI). However, just a few minutes a er checking in, the pilot reported a critical engine problem. "What can I do to help you?" James "Chippy" Chipman inquired, only to receive the alarming con rmation that the situation was dire. e pilot reported they just lost an engine, maybe two. Chippy jumped into next gear knowing time is of the essence. While keeping a calm demeanor, he pointed out the nearest airport, Short Stop (8TA5), six miles away from the aircra 's current destination. In the background, Daniel Keefe and Jeremy Willard, both working as Controllers-in-Charge in the TRACON, along with Flight Data Controller Amanda Alcantara, were gathering information about various airports for potential landing options. Since the aircra was still outside of D10's airspace, information about the small surrounding airports was not readily available to the controllers. e three controllers acted swi ly locating pertinent information and facilitating communication to ensure that Chipman had the necessary data to guide the pilot during a time when every second counted. Meanwhile, Bryen Waltjen, who was managing tra c at Addison, provided support by handling the ow of air tra c, allowing Chipman to focus entirely on the emergency aircra . e teamwork displayed was essential as the emergency unfolded. Despite Chippy's best e orts to guide N814DB's descent, the aircra passed Short Stop Airport, never getting the runway in sight. e team scrambled to locate other landing options. Chippy started vectoring N814DB to Caddo Mills Airport (7F3). Due to radio coverage and the BE58's low altitude, communications with the pilot were sporadic. A er telling the pilot the airport is at his 10 o'clock and six miles, Chippy received the response, "We don't think we are going to make it." Chippy remained calm giving the N814DB instructions, but the pilot never heard him. Wri en by Mary Ann Hall (Houston TRACON, I90) Wri en by Mary Ann Hall (Houston TRACON, I90) SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST REGION Amanda Alcantara Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON D10 James Chipman Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON D10 Daniel Keefe Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON D10

Articles in this issue

view archives of NATCA Bookshelf - ArchieAwards 2024_Final