RVP Ham Ghaffari:
Quite often, the difference between a routine flight assist and
a potential emergency situation is how we're able to react
to the situation and keep it from evolving into a dangerous
situation. In this case, the total team support and calmness
under fire displayed by the controllers prevented a routine
flight assist from developing into a dangerous situation. I
am incredibly proud of the teamwork and professionalism
displayed by these gentlemen.
WESTERN PACIFIC REGION 25
Wickstrom: Skyhawk 7ME, just want to make sure you're getting a good indication that you're receiving a good
vacuum on the suction gauge and that, uh, your altitude indicator appears to be working normally.
During this time, front line manager Doug Hart sought the help of two experienced pilots. Aaron C. Fones was
moved to provide technical assistance. Brian Bond was also paged back to the control room. Hart, who himself
is a pilot, displayed outstanding awareness in bringing these assets into the situation.
Fones took over talking on the frequency to the aircraft. He once again asked if her wings were level and
instructed her to add as much power as she could and start a gradual climb.
A mountain peak with an elevation of 7,900 feet is approximately eight miles to the west of PRC. Fones calmly
issued no-gyro vectors to get the pilot turned to the left and pointed towards the airport.
Fones: I just want you to start a descent. I want you to make a slight power reduction and continue straight ahead
and start descending.
N347ME: 7ME roger that. Um, I have noticed that my vertical speed, um, is completely lost. I think that what's wondered
off. Uh, it's saying that it…it's actually, uh, it's a climb but it's a descent. So...
Fones: Alright. 7ME, the tower says they can see you. Are you able to see the airport?
PRC tower called and advised that the aircraft was in sight and Fones switched her to PRC tower frequency.
NWP
