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The pilot relayed that he was at 5,900 feet. Pate pulled up his emergency obstruction video map (EOVM) and
saw that the aircraft was less than five miles north of a 6,400 foot elevation profile and seven miles west of
another rise in terrain.
The average life expectancy of a VFR pilot lost in the clouds is 178 seconds. When an inexperienced pilot
encounters unplanned instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), a physiological reaction occurs and they
begin to sweat and lose orientation. As an experienced controller, Pate knew that the most important thing he
could do was help the pilot establish a straight and level flight.
Pate: N0QR stop turn. Just fly straight now.
Pate: N0QR stop your turn and fly straight.
Pate: N0QR I am not receiving any response. Just stop your turn and fly straight.
N740QR: 4QR straight flight.
When the pilot informed him that he was having navigation issues, Josh immediately began issuing no-gyro
vectors for about five minutes. The pilot began circling because of his disorientation and inability to get a sense
of his direction without his instruments. Pate was able to calmly and reassuringly direct the aircraft into VFR
conditions for an additional six minutes — now four times the length of time a VFR pilot can typically sustain IFR
conditions — preventing a fatal accident.
RVP Douglas Pincock:
Joshua did an incredible job directing N740QR during this tense and stressful situation. The
pilot was able to regain his composure and focus his attention on flying the plane because
he knew that a skilled and knowledgeable controller was guiding him safely through high
terrain to VFR conditions. Joshua's calm and steady direction saved the life of this pilot and
his passenger. I am extremely proud to represent such a skilled and dedicated professional.
