Written story on WFTV website below:
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. - A 20-year-old Embry-Riddle student flew his plane blind after
the engine malfunctioned and oil covered the plane's window.
"This was something unlike anything I've ever been through before," said air traffic
control specialist Tim Martin.
Air traffic controllers at Daytona Beach International Airport helped the unidentified pilot
safely land his plane April 26.
"Sir, I want to get down as soon as possible. I literally can't see out in front of me," the
pilot said to air traffic controllers.
The plane's only engine was on the verge of failing, so Martin and air traffic controller
Ruben Lopez became the pilot's eyes in the sky.
"Five degrees to the right, sir. Daytona's now 12 o'clock in about a mile."
"When he got on the ground, you just… it was a sense of overwhelming just like wow!
Whew," Martin said.
"Thank you so much gentlemen. You're a lifesaver," the pilot said in the radio
transmissions to air traffic controllers.
The pilot was not available for an interview because of the ongoing investigation.
RECAP: NATCA's 17
th
BIENNIAL CONVENTION
NATCA's 17th Biennial Convention in Philadelphia took place from April 17-20.
The Delegate: Complete coverage of the Convention. Please click here.
Photo Album: Please click here.
Video Channel: Please click here.
Continue to follow all post-Convention news, and other NATCA news and information,
on our social media outlets; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Reddit.
HONORING OUR MEMBERS FOR GREAT WORK PERFORMED SINCE JAN. 1, 2017
Here are two of the awards (with an upcoming nomination deadline) that we'll be
presenting during NATCA's 2018 Communicating For Safety Conference in Las Vegas
held Oct. 22-24:
Region X Commitment to Safety Award: Deadline is June 30
Members of Region X perform essential work through dedication to ensuring the safety
of the National Airspace System (NAS). Do you know of a specific instance where safety
has been significantly improved, or of individuals or groups that demonstrated prolonged
dedication to the safety and well-being of the NAS? Nominate individuals or groups for a
Region X Commitment to Safety Award.
Professionalism Award: Deadline is June 30
There are many things that come to mind when we think of professionalism. Integrity,
respect from peers and others, positive attitude, willingness to work with others,
dedication, and reliability. Who comes to mind? Do you know someone whose individual
