A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/672709
At this point, the aircraft was seven miles from the final approach fix. Hermsdorfer gave him a left turn heading 40 degrees, told the pilot to maintain 3,000 feet until established on the localizer and then cleared him for the ILS approach to Run- way 1-Left. The aircraft landed safely shortly thereafter. "She was calm and professional during the entire incident," MCI Facility Repre- sentative Brian Barnes said. "She even had the awareness to ask the pilot if he would like to change frequencies over to the tower or just stay with her, and she would relay the landing clearance. Doing this showed her commitment to the safety of the flight crew and having the focus on not over-tasking the pilots." For her efforts, Hermsdorfer was given the FAA District Manager's Award for Safety. One last detail not mentioned in any FAA report: Hermsdorfer was three months pregnant at the time. She is expecting to deliver her first child next month. Jessica Hermsdorfer Kansas City Tower/TRACON (MCI) 9 "It was a foggy and rainy day when Frontier Flight 820 departed Kansas City on Nov. 14. Shortly after takeoff, just four miles from the airport and just out of 4,000 feet, a noticeably shaken voice comes over the radio: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Frontier 820 multiple bird strike, number two engine is having problems. We need an im- mediate return to the airport." "The pilots reported severe damage to the number two engine with possible dam- age to the number one engine as the cabin quickly filled with a horrible odor. Pas- sengers witnessed as flames shot from the engines of the plane while many others wept or prayed out loud. "Luckily for all involved, this flight was in the hands of two capable pilots and an air traffic controller skilled and professional beyond her years. At the time of this event, Jessica Hermsdorfer had only been in the FAA less than two years and a cer- tified professional controller for just 11 months. Yet, her quick decision making and calming voice were that of a seasoned veteran. "Jessica's abilities and professionalism were significant qualities as she continued working her other traffic during this emergency, adjusting her traffic flow in order to get Frontier 820's crew and passengers on an instrument approach and safely on the ground within minutes of that frantic MAYDAY call." Central Region RVP Kevin Peterson: