The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today\nrecognized Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Controller Robert\nMorgan with its Above and Beyond Award for Heroic Achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On May 10, 2022, Morgan was on duty at Palm Beach\nInternational Airport (PBI) when a passenger onboard a Cessna 208 Caravan\ncontacted the tower to report the plane\u2019s pilot had suffered a debilitating\nmedical issue during the return flight from the Bahamas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a serious situation here,\u201d said the passenger,\nlater identified as Darren Harrison. \u201cMy pilot has gone incoherent [and] I have\nno idea how to fly the airplane.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pilot and flight instructor with approximately 1,200\nflight hours \u2013 but zero time in the Caravan \u2013 Morgan referenced a photo of the\nsingle-engine turboprop\u2019s flight deck to help guide the passenger\u2019s operation\nof the aircraft as it approached the Florida coast. Following Morgan\u2019s\ninstructions, Harrison safely maneuvered toward PBI, descended toward the\nrunway and made a safe landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRobert Morgan\u2019s quick-thinking, professionalism,\nsituational awareness and calm demeanor were instrumental in successfully\nmanaging a critical emergency situation, saving all three people onboard from\ninjury and allowing the incapacitated pilot to receive timely medical care,\u201d\nsaid NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. \u201cFor his actions that day, we are pleased\nto present Robert with our 2022 NBAA Above and Beyond Award.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n