RVP Bryan Zilonis:
Eric's patience and consistent direction to the pilot of N4363W
highlights the very best of us in our profession. He displayed
exceptional decision-making throughout the event and got
the aircraft to better weather conditions, ensuring the safety of
the pilot throughout a dangerous situation. Events like this one
make me even more proud to represent controllers like Eric from
the Great Lakes Region.
GREAT LAKES REGION 15
Vanstrom: Cherokee 63W, the airport is 11 o'clock, and five miles. You're still on us, so UNICOM the frequency, the
three clicks isn't going to turn on the lights yet. We're calling somebody now at the airport to see if they can do that. Do
you want to switch to UNICOM to try that, or do you want to stay with me? It's at 11 o'clock and five miles.
N4363W: We can go over to UNICOM. Can you give me the frequency real quick?
Vanstrom: Alright. Cherokee 63W, your IFR will not be canceled. UNICOM for Portland is 122.8, 22.8. The airport is
12 o'clock and about three to four miles, or actually just off your left, 11 o'clock. Change to 22.8 and then come back,
okay?
N4363W: Affirmative.
Vanstrom continued to issue no gyro vectors until the aircraft dropped out of frequency range. Vanstrom
had remained with the pilot for the duration of the event, lasting nearly two hours. After continuing to issue
important airport and weather information in hopes the pilot would hear it, another pilot eventually relayed
that the aircraft was safely on the ground.
NGL
