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10 On the evening of Feb. 18, 2024, Brian Bernhardt, a 23-year veteran controller, was working Philadelphia Approach (PHL) whilst his colleague, Jason Wilson, worked in the tower cab. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions prevailed which turned out to be very fortunate. Among the aircra under Brian's control was N47PG, a Grumman Tiger operating under VFR. Everything appeared normal when suddenly N47PG keyed his mic and said, "Philadelphia Approach, N47PG declaring an emergency…" Brian couldn't have anticipated what the pilot said next. N47PG stated, "I just somehow knocked my glasses o my face, and I can't nd them. I've got pretty poor vision. I can kind of make out instruments, but I'm going to need radar vectors, I think, possibly to Philly, maybe Philadelphia International would be the best one if possible. I could de nitely use some help up here." Brian, a pilot himself, quickly worked through what the pilot's limitations and capabilities were. He provided assistance for both vertical guidance and a series of no- gyro vectors that eventually led to N47PG being properly aligned with Runway 9R at PHL. Due to the concern that having the pilot change radio frequencies would add extra complications to an already stressful situation, it was decided that the pilot would be handed o from Brian in radar to Jason in the tower without a frequency change. Brian said, "All I had to do was point the pilot to the airport and give him to Jason, he's the one that talked him down and really did the hard work to get him on the ground." Jason, a veteran controller with 22 years' experience, watched out the window for N47PG. Upon assuming the frequency he said, "I took over, started talking to the guy and just telling him what I was seeing and trying to coach him down." Even though Jason has not own in years, he has some pilot experience which helped him navigate the situation. Jason helped the pilot to maintain his surroundings and awareness. e pilot was able to focus on aviating and getting the plane toward the runway. Jason inquired if the pilot could distinguish Runway 9R and the pilot replied, "I see lights, but I can't distinguish the runways from one Brian Bernhardt Philadelphia ATCT/TRACON PHL EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION EASTERN REGION Wri en by Jaymi Steinberg (Washington Center, ZDC) Jason Wilson Philadelphia ATCT/TRACON PHL

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