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Dobbins reservists respond to emergency landing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chelsea Gitzen
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  In life or death situations, people often feel a surge of adrenaline. Their hearts thump. Their skin feels moist. Every motion seems exaggerated, making it difficult to function calmly.

In these situations, it's important to keep a cool head and calm demeanor.

On Dec. 22, 2009, three Dobbins Airmen found themselves in a similar situation. They kept their military bearing when they responded 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.

The Dobbins Airmen immediately began following procedures they learned in military training.

"The first thing is to make sure the (people on the plane) are OK," 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. The situation became somewhat stressful because the pilot was distraught.

"None of us felt panicky, we just went over there and did our job," said Airman Taylor. While the two Airmen took care of the pilot, Lt. Col. George Pelech, 94th Operations Support Squadron pilot and instructor, sought out the local 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."

Sergeant Beaver and his fellow reservists have some advice for pilots of private planes.

"Have a little more situational awareness and pay closer attention to detail," said Sergeant Beaver. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)