RVP Doug Pincock:
A disoriented pilot presents a challenging situation
for any controller, especially when the pilot is
inexperienced. Aaron was able to rely on his years as
a controller and pilot to help N5327J return safely to
Centennial airport. I am extremely proud to have such
a skilled and dedicated professional representing the
Northwest Mountain Region.
NORTHWEST MOUNTAIN REGION 19
His expertise helped the pilot stabilize the aircraft and navigate back towards APA, where the weather was
reported to be better. The student pilot again asked to continue on to PUB, but Grijalva used his judgment
and ability to reason to convince the student pilot to return the aircraft to the ground and make sure they
were ready to conduct the flight.
N5327J: Um, is there a place [unreadable] Pueblo?
Grijalva: Skyhawk 27J, ah, are you sure you want to do that? It seems like we had a lot of trouble getting you
around those clouds, are you…are you sure you want to just double check? Maybe wait another try? Centennial
is there 11 o'clock and six miles if you want to just wait it out a bit.
N5327J: Okay.
The aircraft is based at the flight school at APA. After the incident, Grijalva was able to contact the pilot's
flight instructor. The certified flight instructor said the pilot will be retrained on navigation and radio
procedures before advancing in their flight-training program.
NNM
