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and remain nearby as a communications relay
to N89877. The plan worked and the relay
remained in place until the distressed aircraft
landed safely.
"We heard those awesome words: that the pilot
was safe on the ground," Meyer said.
Northwest Mountain Regional Vice President
Steph Winder said the actions of Meyer and
Baldwin exemplify the quiet professionalism
that defines air traffic controllers across the
National Airspace System. "People often think
heroism is loud. They picture dramatic rescues,
flashing lights, and applause. But those of us in
this room know the truth. Real heroism is often
quiet. It is the calm voice on the frequency. It is
the coordination no one outside the operation
ever sees. It is the professionalism that
transforms chaos into confidence. It is doing
exactly what you have trained to do — so well
that someone else gets to keep living their life."
For Meyer and Baldwin, the outcome reflected
preparation, experience, and teamwork. For the
pilot, it meant making it home safely.
Congratulations to the 2026
Northwest Mountain Region
Archie League Medal of Safety
Award recipients: Jordan Baldwin
and Nick Meyer!
By Jessica Rakovitis
(Great Falls ATCT, GTF)
