Reservists respond to emergency landing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Gitzen
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  In a life or death situation, anyone involved feels that surge of adrenaline.

Their heart thumps, their skin feels moist and every motion is exaggerated. In such a situation, it is difficult to function calmly. And yet in such a situation, keeping a calm demeanor and a sound mind is key.

On Dec. 22, 2009, three Dobbins Airmen in a similar situation kept their military bearing when responding to an incident at Richard B. Russell Airport in Rome, Ga., in which the pilot of a small aircraft landed before engaging his landing gear.

"I saw a ball of flame go down the runway," said Staff Sgt. Chad Beaver, 94th Aerial Delivery Flight air transportation specialist.

Immediately, the Dobbins Airmen shifted into motion and began to execute the procedures they learned from their training.

"The first thing is to make sure the pilot and crew are okay," said Senior Airman David Taylor, 94th Aerial Delivery Flight air transportation specialist, "It's important to be calm and remember your training."

Airman Taylor and Sergeant Beaver tended to the pilot who suffered no visible injuries. They monitored his activity to make sure he wasn't suffering from any sustainable head injuries. Their bearing was tested as the pilot was distraught.

"None of us felt panicky, we just went over there and did our job," said Airman Taylor. While the two Airman secured the pilot, Lt. Col. George Pelech, 94th Operations Support Squadron pilot and instructor, set off to notify the proper authorities for assistance.

"I went to make sure [the person in charge of flight operations] notified the local police, fire department and emergency medical personnel as well as the airfield commander and close the runway," said Colonel Pelech, "He also needed to report the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration."

The seasoned Airmen had some advice for pilots and flight crew members to avoid such an incident; "Have a little more situational awareness and attention to detail," said Sergeant Beaver.