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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 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 Southwest Region winner Hugh McFarland (I90), Western Pacific Region winner Jesse Anderson (POC), and Northwest Mountain Region winners Mark Haechler, Al Passero, and Matt Dippé (ZSE). On Nov. 1, Mark Haechler, a trainee at the time, was working a sector when he noticed an aircraft seemed unable to climb. The pilot reported icing and downdrafts, so Haechler declared an emergency and guided the aircraft to lower terrain with the help of Al Passero and Matt Dippé. The aircraft was not DME-equipped, so the trio vectored the pilot onto the final approach course manually. The pilot continuously turned west, and they would correct him each time to put him back on course. Eventually the pilot broke out of the weather and reported the airport in sight. NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN REGION Mark Haechler Seattle Center (ZSE) Al Passero Seattle Center (ZSE) Matt Dippé Seattle Center (ZSE) On Dec. 7, Anderson was working several aircraft when he noticed one of them had turned towards Cable Airport, a private, uncontrolled airport. Anderson quickly began issuing traffic alerts and attempted to have the aircraft turn away from Cable. The aircraft inadvertently joined the downwind for Cable and was in conflict with all three aircraft in the pattern. Anderson quickly directed the aircraft out of Cable's traffic pattern and began to turn the pilot towards Brackett Field again. Anderson continued to help the pilot reorient himself and get the airport in sight. He remained calm and professional to help the noticeably shaken pilot land safely. WESTERN PACIFIC REGION Jesse Anderson Brackett Field ATCT (POC) On Sept. 16, a VFR-rated pilot became stuck on top of solid IFR weather at 8,500 feet. The weather was almost 8,000 feet thick and extended hundreds of miles around the Houston area. The pilot had no choice but to descend through it. McFarland, a pilot himself, guided the pilot through IMC conditions for 20 minutes. He helped the pilot load his GPS with the approach headings, constantly reminded the pilot of his airspeed, to bank angle in the turn, to trim the aircraft, to ensure his carburetor heat was on to prevent icing, and everything else he could think of to ensure the pilot stayed calm and landed safely. After McFarland lost radar contact with the aircraft, he continued to provide the position of the airport relative to the pilot's last known position until the pilot was safe on the ground. SOUTHWEST REGION Hugh McFarland Houston TRACON (I90) I'm from: Seattle, Wash. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2012. I became an air traffic controller because: I couldn't afford flight school. In my spare time, I enjoy: Traveling, biking, snowboarding, spending time with my wife, and playing pinochle with my friend, Matt. Major phobia: Rats. Favorite dish to cook: BBQ steak. Favorite travel destination: London, England. I'm from: North Babylon, N.Y. I've been an air traffic controller since: March 1985. I became an air traffic controller because: I was looking for a good career fresh out of college and had always been interested in aviation, but never had any exposure to the field. In my spare time, I enjoy: Snowboarding, hiking, golf, and sampling foods and beers while traveling. Candy or chocolate? Chocolate. Dogs or cats? Dogs. Favorite comfort food: Good beer! I'm from: Sebastopol, Calif. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2007. I became an air traffic controller because: Life as a commercial pilot was proving difficult, and ATC was the next best thing. In my spare time, I enjoy: Playing music — drums and guitar. Major phobia: Hospitals. This always makes me laugh: My brothers and sisters. Candy or chocolate? Candy. I'm from: Tucson, Ariz. I've been an air traffic controller since: 1990. I became an air traffic controller because: I enjoy aviation and the challenges of air traffic control. In my spare time, I enjoy: Spending time with family and flying general aviation aircraft. Favorite dish to cook: Pecan-smoked brisket. Favorite type of aircraft: The one I am flying. Dogs or cats? That's easy. Dogs! I'm from: Sacramento, Calif., but now live in La Verne, Calif. I've been an air traffic controller since: 2007. I became an air traffic controller because: I broke my leg while playing college football in Arkansas and decided to come home. I met Kyle Vercautren, who has a family friend who is a controller at L.A. Center. Kyle told me that it sounded like a fun and challenging job with good pay, so we enrolled in the CTI program at Mt. San Antonio College. Kyle is now a controller at LGB. In my spare time, I enjoy: Hanging out with my family. We go to the beach and to the river and play golf. I enjoy the outdoors and am a big sports fan. Favorite travel destination: Sweden. My wife has family there, and we went for two weeks. Favorite sport: College football. Favorite comfort food: Anything on the BBQ. Mar k Haechler Al Passer o Matt Dip p e Hu gh Mc Far land Jesse Ander s on '

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