SOUTHWEST REGION 22
PATRICK M. ARMSTRONG
DALLAS/FORT WORTH TRACON
On March 10, 2016, a Beechcraft B35 was on an Instrument Flight
Rules (IFR) flight plan from El Paso Airport (ELP) to Grand Prairie
Airport (GPM). The pilot was having trouble landing at GPM, and
checked in on frequency with Dallas/Fort Worth TRACON (D10).
D10 controller Patrick Armstrong immediately began working with
him.
Over the course of this event, the pilot twice attempted the only
instruments approach available into Grand Prairie – RNAV/GPS
Runway 35. The weather for Grand Prairie was five miles visibility,
light rain, and ceilings overcast at 800 feet.
The pilot was having difficulty maintaining altitude and headings
while attempting to fly the RNAV/GPS approaches. After two
unsuccessful attempts, the pilot advised that he had only 10
minutes of fuel remaining, making the imminent situation all the
more pressing. Patrick quickly thought of all his options and offered
the pilot an ILS approach at neighboring Arlington Municipal Airport
(KGKY). The pilot concurred with Armstrong and was vectored for
the ILS approach into Arlington.
Armstrong: Just get yourself set up, sir. Just orient. Just fly your
present heading, don't turn the aircraft anymore. Just fly your
present heading and maintain two thousand.
Example of a Beechcraft B35
