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3 ALASKAN ALASKAN REGION REGION Mark Bonner Anchorage ATCT ANC By Amanda Clinefelter (Anchorage ATCT, ANC) Bonner, who serves as ANC FacRep, thanks the rest of the Anchorage International Airport ATCT team for their assistance that day in helping guide N1123F to a safe landing. Alaska is no stranger to rapidly changing weather, even during the summer. July 25, 2025, was no exception. Anchorage International Airport ATCT (ANC) controller Mark Bonner was working the Lake Hood position that afternoon. With more than 15 years of air traffic control experience in the Navy and the FAA, Bonner has spent countless hours directing traffic near mountainous terrain and in challenging weather. After beginning his FAA career in 2016, he worked at Pasco ATCT (PSC) and Paine Field (PAE) before he transferred to ANC in 2022. The pilot of N1123F was inbound to Lake Hood Airport (LHD), approaching from the east. The Chugach Mountains often trap low clouds over LHD. As the pilot approached the airport, he found himself unable to reach Lake Hood due to a low-lying cloud layer. "We might have to go down below 1500' here for cloud clearance," said the pilot. N1123F descended in an attempt to get below the cloud layer but was unsuccessful. The pilot was forced to turn back to the east where he could maintain visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The pilot advised Bonner that "Lake Hood Tower, 23F is IMC [Instrument Meteorological Conditions], going to turn to my left to get back to VMC." Bonner understood the urgency of N1123F's situation and immediately began helping the pilot locate an airport at which to land safely, providing calm reassuring guidance as he offered the pilot alternative solutions to land. "Just stay level, looking good," Bonner told the pilot as he provided altitude and position information. Bonner called Merrill Field (MRI) to coordinate for N1123F to land there. Unfortunately, the weather at both MRI and ANC was similar, and the pilot was unable to get Merrill Field in sight. Bonner decided to try a new approach as N1123F began to fly westbound again, in search of better visibility. Bonner coordinated with a controller on position at ANC to set up N1123F for a straight-in landing on Runway 25R. He ensured that all the Runway 25R lights were turned on to help the pilot locate the runway. Neither Runway 25R nor Runway 25L is equipped with an approach lighting system. As N1123F neared Runway 25R, the pilot spotted LHD off his right and elected to go to the original intended destination instead. Bonner coordinated with ANC ATCT and Merrill Field to inform them of the pilot's decision. N1123F turned right and descended towards the LHD gravel strip and landed safely. With noticeable relief in his voice, the pilot reported he was down and clear and thanked Bonner for his help. Bonner's calm, reassuring communication, quick coordination, and steady guidance ensured a safe landing for N1123F. Congratulations to the 2026 Alaskan Region Archie League Medal of Safety Award recipient: Mark Bonner! Mark Bonner

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