Atlanta, Georgia: Air Traffic Controller Helps Pilot, Wins National Award

Listen to exchange of dialogue between ATC and Pilot:  http://www.publicbroadcasting.net

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ATLANTA, GA - It's a scary scenario for any pilot: Poor visibility. Navigation instruments aren't working. And you're running low on fuel.

That's what happened to a pilot near Rome, Georgia last year.

Monday, an Atlanta air traffic controller is receiving a national award for helping guide that pilot to safety.

This is the exchange between the troubled pilot and Atlanta en-route air traffic controller Derek Bittman.

(Air traffic controller): "If you can't make this approach at Rome, do you want to go somewhere else? Do you have a plan-b?"

(Pilot) "This is plan B, 11-November."

Bittman makes a few suggestions, but as the pilot indicates, the situation is quickly declining.

(Pilot) "A yessir, I'm still not able to find this airport. I'm getting low on fuel. It's kind of a desperate situation here."

The controller turns the pilot towards the Rome airport, makes sure the runway lights are lit, and keeps the plane on course.

Almost as quickly as it all began, it safely ended.

(Pilot) "Airport in sight. Atlanta, thank you sir!"

For his actions, Derek Bittman receives the Air Traffic Control Specialist of the Year award.

Listen to exchange of dialogue between ATC and Pilot:  http://www.publicbroadcasting.net