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Kilgus: N914DP low altitude alert. Maintain two-thousand five-hundred until established localizer. Looks like you're
going through it.
Kilgus: N4DP, Columbus.
N914DP: Yes sir, yes sir. I'm trying to get here on the localizer sir.
Kilgus: N4DP you're low, two-thousand one-hundred. Verify you're on the localizer and the glide slope.
After a failed first approach into LCK, the pilot reported he had run out of fuel.
N914DP: Sir, I just run out of gas. I think I ran out of gas.
Kilgus: OK N4DP, roger. Present heading, Rickenbacker is twelve o'clock in four miles. Fly heading is 0-5-0. 0-5-0
heading.
N914DP: I think we are on priority fuel right now sir.
Kilgus relayed to the pilot the distance to LCK, and after a few intense seconds, the pilot reported that he was
able to transfer fuel from his other tank. Kilgus was then able to safely work him into LCK airport, all while he
continued handling other air traffic on final approach into CMH. Not wanting to have the pilot of the Comanche
make any unnecessary frequency changes, Kilgus took responsibility to work the aircraft, possibly saving the
pilot's life.
RVP Bryan Zilonis:
The fantastic work done by David to assist N914DP is a testament to his skill and ability to
remain calm under pressure. His patience and consistent direction to a pilot through three
landing attempts show the highest standard of dedication to safety and this profession. The
pilot was so grateful to David for his assistance that he took the time to call Columbus later
that day to thank the air traffic controller who helped him. Events like this one make me even
more proud to represent all of the great air traffic controllers from the Great Lakes Region.
