NATCA Bookshelf

12th Annual Archie League Medal of Safety Awards

A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association

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15 Because of this lower altitude, the pilot was able to break through the low cloud ceiling. He wanted to attempt a visual approach into the airport and reported that he had the airport in sight. Unfortunately, he had mistakenly identified Quonset (OQU) airport visually, not Providence. White: N73S roger. Proceed visually for Providence Airport Runway 5. N5773S: Visually to Runway 5, 73S. White: N73S are you comfortable making the frequency change now? N5773S: Maybe I'm heading to KOOU. N5773S: 73S, I think I'm heading the wrong airport. This is KOOU. Can I do a 180? At this point, White and the pilot had to decide at which airport the pilot should attempt to land. The pilot asked White if he could attempt to proceed to PVD, but White knew that with the pilot's equipment failures adding up and options for handling them running out, the pilot should attempt to land at OQU. White's quick actions and calm, reassuring tone ensured that the pilot was able to land the malfunctioning aircraft safely. RVP Mike Robicheau: The flexibility that Joseph displayed during this event was tremendous. Air traffic controllers must be quick-thinking, have fast reflexes, and consistently make the right decisions to assist the aircraft they are working. Joseph used all of his skills as an air traffic controller to ensure a safe and positive outcome for the pilot of N5773S. The issues the pilot had accumulated quickly, but Joseph's immediate responses to the constantly changing situation is yet another example of the extremely high standards of professionalism of our controllers.

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