NATCA Bookshelf

Natasha Hodge Dallas TRACON (D10) Douglas Wynkoop Dallas TRACON (D10) During his communication throughout the event, Wynkoop made sure he was clear on the pilot's intentions while patiently offering up multiple landing options for the air- craft. He professionally alerted the control tower regarding all emergency information, including pilot, aircraft and approach details, to ultimately ensure the aircraft's safety upon descent. Wynkoop not only stayed in tune with all aspects of the situation at hand, both on fre- quency and behind the scenes, but this seasoned veteran remained confident in his de- velopmental for the majority of the emergency. He allowed her to excel at her job and prove herself capable of handling extreme pressure with composure and profession- alism before then taking over. Combined, these two members worked the aircraft for 51 minutes – 30 minutes of which consisted of critical circumstances requiring precise instruction— and demon- strated teamwork and commitment at its finest during the entire ordeal. 21 "The event that took place on Dec. 7 is an example of teamwork and commitment at its best as Doug and Natasha worked together to maintain control of a rapidly- intensifying situation. Taking into consideration the cur- rent circumstances and exploring all possible options, they jointly ensured a safe landing for this one very-disoriented experimental aircraft. "Their actions not only demonstrated the crucial role our veteran controllers play in the safety of our aviation system each and every day, but prove the essential value our newer controllers have on its future. "It is men like Doug we hate to see retire and women like Natasha that we are eager to see fill our facilities. We are proud to call them NATCA members and, on behalf of the union family and the pilots they tend to, thank them for a job well done!" Southwest Region RVP Tim Smith:

• Cover