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Archie League’s ATC Safety Medal Awarded to Two Indianapolis Controllers

ZID controllers Brittany Jones and Bob Obma were winners of the Archie League award. Courtesy NATCA
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Key Takeaways:

  • Indianapolis Center (ZID) controllers Brittany Jones and Bob Obma were awarded the Archie League Medal of Safety for assisting a pilot in distress.
  • They successfully guided a Cessna 172 pilot experiencing severe icing conditions over mountainous terrain to a safe landing at an alternate airport.
  • This life-saving effort occurred during challenging conditions, including increased workload due to COVID-19 staffing shortages, highlighting the critical role of ATC expertise and teamwork.
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All too often, pilots think air traffic controllers are just voices in their headset handing out instructions designed to keep them separated from other nearby aircraft—and also to annoy them, some pilots might add. But when pilots fly themselves into danger, or find themselves in charge of a malfunctioning airplane, grabbing the mic and calling ATC for help makes them realize what a lifeline these people on the ground are.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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