The pilot told the lineman he was preparing to depart since he had to get back to work. The lineman thought "nobody in their right mind would try flying at that time [since] there was a winter storm moving through the area." It was as though they were '"in the eye of a hurricane,'" and he couldn't believe the pilot would try taking off in the storm. The pilot said he was going to "scud run" to his intended destination, about 103 miles to the south, but would turn around if he couldn't make it. The lineman said, "I couldn't believe what he was telling me. I told him that every year, we get two or three airplanes trying to scud run, and they run into the mountains." The pilot told him that he was instrument rated, but was not current. The lineman showed the pilot computer radar images depicting large buildups throughout the area. As the pilot prepared to depart, another lineman brushed frost off the wings. The pilot took off before all the frost could be removed and disappeared into clouds a mile south of the airport. The wreckage was located the following day in a canyon. Radar data showed the airplane tracking along an interstate highway before turning left and entering the canyon. As it went further east into the canyon, it made four consecutive climbing left turns before radar contact was lost.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

Writen by Terry Fregly, edited by Steve Sivyer

The latest in positive efforts to familiarize TLH air traffic controllers with current aircraft has resulted in special jet rides for controllers Walt Gregulak, Penny Schneider, Bart Countess, and Jeff Boyett.  It was – for most of the controllers – their first flight in General Aviation aircraft, as well as their first flight in a turbo jet. 

The whole idea of the flight began when owner and pilot of the Czech L-39C Aero Vodochody, Terrance H. Fregly (former United States Air Force pilot), was landing his jet after flying some patterns around the airport.  As he landed, one of the controllers remarked, “Nice patterns,” to which Fregly replied, “Maybe some day I could take you all up for a ride.”

The comment sparked the event, and, after a call to the TLH supervisor Ron Fisher, arrangements were set for the following Thursday.  Wanting to give the controllers the very best and safest flight experience, Fregly asked his good friend Colonel Yevan Drevanski to pilot the jet during the flight.

Drevanski is arguably the best L-39 pilot in the world with over 4000 hours logged.   His other credentials include Soviet Union Master of Aerobatic Sport, MIG-21 instructor, and former Wing Commander of the Ukranian Air Force Academy.  Even though Fregly was more than qualified to fly the L-39, he decided to place the air traffic controllers in the best possible hands.

What was the motivation to use extra jet fuel and flight time to take the controllers for a ride?  This event only goes to illustrate the close-knit community at TLH.  Air Traffic Control is as much a part of the community as the pilots themselves, and by taking this exhilarating ride in the L-39 they were able to take part in the other half of what goes on at TLH.

FROM THE TOWER by Ron Fisher

Tallahassee Air Traffic Control Tower continues to operate under the “Orange” security level.  Only badged FAA employees and badged contract employees are permitted to enter the facility.  No visitors are allowed into the Control Tower until the security level is lowered.  We look forward to the time when we will return to “normal operations” allowing  tours of the facility.  If you have a group or work at a fixed base operation and would like to have someone speak on air traffic procedures or policies, please give us a call at the facility.

This summer Tallahassee Tower will have a new generation of Low Level Wind Shear Alert System, (LLWAS-RS).  What does that mean to the pilot?  Better wind information, eight sensors around the airport that will give the pilot arrival and departure wind information.  The display to the controller has been updated and the capability to alert the pilot of a microburst has been much improved.

There are new facility procedures in effect that no longer require the use of our drop tube system to move departure information from the Tower to the TRACON (radar room).  In the past, combined facilities (Tower and TRACON) required the use of a tube to move a departure strip from the tower to the TRACON.  This is no longer the case at many towers, including Tallahassee Tower.  What this means to the pilot is that all VFR departures are put into the NAS System computer.  If you wish a handoff to the next sector, VFR Flight Following, you’re in the system without asking for the service.  If you DO NOT desire the service, please advise the controller when you depart the Class C airspace.  These are new procedures, so please be patient with the controller in the tower when calling for a VFR departure. 

There has been an increase in the military training at Tallahassee Regional airport.  This means that there are military aircraft in the local area and the pattern flying around at 250 knots or greater, mostly greater!  Be sure you are familiar with the closure rate procedures, see the AIM, and the types of aircraft and their flight characteristics.  Types of military that frequent Tallahassee Regional are; PC-9, F-4, F-15, F16, F-18, T-38, C-130, P-3, T-34, T-1, T-2, T-45, T-37 and our locally based L-39.  Also, realize that their MTR’s (military training routes) that transition through Tallahassee Approaches airspace.  These routes are sometimes flown in excess of 500 knots…………… Questions, please call your local AFSS or the nearest Air Traffic Control facility.

Art Eickenberg will retire from government service on May 3, 2003.  Art arrived in Tallahassee on August 1, 1999, and will complete his career with the FAA here.  He has had a distinguished career in the FAA, working at places like Atlanta Tower and the FAA’s Regional Office in Atlanta.  He has been a great boss and a friend of aviation.  His love of aviation and dedication to his job has made it easier for us to do our jobs at the facility.  He also volunteered his services as an Aviation Safety Counselor, contributing much to the Big Bend Aviation Safety Council’s safety program (BBASC).  He will be missed…………  Please give him a call before he leaves Tallahassee and starts his new career as a “Ships Captain” for hire.

If you have questions or comments, please call me anytime.

Safe Flying

Ron Fisher, Acting Air Traffic Manager TLH ATCT

Office: 942-9642

Cell: 556-1294

Editors Note:

Tallahassee Air Traffic Control Tower has been chosen as the Level 7, Air Traffic Control Facility of the Year in the Southern Region.  For the pass 9 years and over one million operations, the TLH facility has had NO operational or deviation errors.  Additionally, it recognizes their commitment to all segments of aviation by providing the safest, most orderly, and expeditious operation possible. 

Ron Fisher  would like to thank all of the pilots in the Tallahassee area and organizations that have supported the facility.  Ron said " All facility employees are committed to provide the best possible air traffic services in the Tallahassee Regional  Airport area well into the future.  They  look forward to continued service to the aviation community and encourage you to contact them anytime about any concerns you may have, or for just some "good ol" hanger talk".