A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/471922
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2015 NATCA DAILY DISPATCH 4 For the last 11 years, the Archie League Medal of Safety Awards banquet has paid homage to heroic flight assists that exemplify the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our members. This year is no different. We are featuring winners in each issue of the Daily Dispatch so you can better understand what led them to win the award and who they are as individuals. Today we have the honor of introducing Great Lakes Region winners Justin Krenke, Adam Helm, and Mike Ostrander (GRB), Alaskan Region winner Parker Corts (ZAN), and Eastern Region winner Joe Rodewald (PCT). On Feb. 13, Krenke, Helm, and Ostrander helped an aircraft in distress for more than 40 minutes through harrowing conditions. As the aircraft descended for the approach, ice began to accumulate and the pilot reported his gyro had spun. Ostrander quickly coordinated with Minneapolis Center so the pilot could climb out of icing conditions. Helm pulled weather from other airports to see if there was anywhere else the pilot could land. The pilot declared an emergency to descend below the minimum vectoring altitude in the area in an attempt to decrease the ice accumulation. Krenke communicated with the pilot the entire time, informing him of obstructions and vectoring him over the airport multiple times before they lost communications and the pilot crash-landed, sustaining only minor injuries. GREAT LAKES REGION Justin Krenke Green Bay ATCT/TRACON (GRB) Adam Helm Green Bay ATCT/TRACON (GRB) Mike Ostrander Green Bay ATCT/TRACON (GRB) On Oct. 5, Rodewald noticed two aircraft squawking VFR on what appeared to be converging courses at the same altitude. Although he was not talking to either aircraft, Rodewald broadcasted in the blind in hopes that one or both aircraft were monitoring his frequency. When the aircraft were two miles apart, one of them acknowledged. Rodewald continued to call traffic until the aircraft reported the other in sight. By this time they were less than a mile and 100 feet indicated apart. Rodewald's experience and professionalism ensured the safety of the two VFR aircraft. EASTERN REGION Joe Rodewald Potomac TRACON (PCT) On Aug. 8, Corts had cleared an aircraft to the LYNNS intersection to begin an approach into Juneau, but the pilot was unable to find the intersection. Corts gave the pilot vectors and altitudes to help him stay on course. However, the pilot continued to deviate and at one point turned towards higher terrain. The pilot finally mentioned that his equipment appeared to be malfunctioning, so Corts quickly used another aircraft to relay several transmissions. His great work kept the aircraft in distress away from dangerous terrain, and the pilot was able to land safely at an alternate airport. ALASKAN REGION Parker Corts Anchorage Center (ZAN) I'm from: Boise, Idaho. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2009. I became an air traffic controller because: I was always inspired listening to ATC frequencies growing up, and I wanted to be a part of the magic. In my spare time, I enjoy: Cooking for my wife and going on adventures with my boys. Favorite book: "The Count of Monte Cristo." Favorite travel destination: Australia. Favorite sport: Rugby. I'm from: Hamilton, a beautiful small town in western Montana. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2006. I became an air traffic controller because: I like ATC better than flying. Favorite type of aircraft: One that listens. Favorite book: "The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway." Favorite travel destination: Costa Rica or Alaska. Favorite sport: Traditional archery and fly fishing. This always makes me laugh: My children. I'm from: Appleton, Wisc. I've been an air traffic controller since: December 17, 2010. I became an air traffic controller because: As an airline pilot for almost five years, I didn't enjoy being away from home and family so often. Being an air traffic controller has allowed me to be home more and still be involved in the aviation community, for which I'm thankful. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with my two boys, fishing, and the sport of curling. This always makes me laugh: Anything that comes out of my kids' mouths. Funniest movie: "Dumb and Dumber." Favorite sport: Green Bay Packers football. I'm from: Saukville, Wisc. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2009. I became an air traffic controller because: I have a love for aviation and always wanted to work around airplanes. In my spare time, I enjoy: Fishing and spending time with my wife, Kelly, and two children, Paige and Nathan, preferably while fishing. Major phobia: Seeing my name and/or picture in print. Funniest movie: "Tommy Boy." Strangest I've food ever eaten: Sea urchin. I'm from: Lena, Wisc. I live in an old church we turned into a home. I've been an air traffic controller since: January 1985. I became an air traffic controller because: My father was a controller, and it seemed like a good career. In my spare time, I enjoy: Competitive shooting, hunting, and fishing. Favorite sport: To play is IDPA, and to watch is football. Favorite type of aircraft: Staggerwing Beechcraft. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Ju stin Krenke Joe Rodewald Par ker Cor ts Adam Helm Mike Ostrander