HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-104 RESOLUTION NO. 22-104
A RESOLUTION HONORING FPR LOCAL CONTROL CHRISTOPHER "CHIP" FLORES AND FPR
OPERATIONAL SUPERVISOR JUSTIN BOYLE FROM TREASURE COAST INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT, WHO HELPED A PASSENGER LAND A PLANE WHEN THE PILOT BECAME
INCAPACITATED
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. On May 10, 2022 at approximately 12:01pm FPR Local Control, Christopher"Chip"
Flores answered an in-the-blind call from N333LD on tower frequency from a Cessna 208 Caravan
(amphibian). The aircraft had 3 occupants: pilot and two passengers. This aircraft was enroute
from Marsh Harbor, Bahamas to Treasure Coast International Airport.
2. Flores quickly appraised the situation and provided calming instructions and
assistance to the passenger in attempting to identify the aircraft's location and continued
providing assistance/instructions until Palm Beach could provide assistance for a positive
outcome.
3. FPR Operational Supervisor, Justin Boyle, reached out immediately for additional
assistance in locating this aircraft. He provided crucial information to the Palm Beach controllers
on this passenger having no flight experience and trying to get him to switch radio frequency not
knowing how to operate the radio.
4. Mr. Flores provided identification, calmness, flight instructions, and reassurance
while getting him additional assistance to safely recover the aircraft. Mr. Boyle provided his quick
actions and interactions to identify and obtain further assistance for the passenger keeping the
aircraft flying. He was paramount in letting Palm Beach controllers know not to switch the
aircraft's frequency with a person not versed in radio operations.
5. In terms of occurrence, no one in the current administration (some 40+ years)
recalls any similar incident where a person with no flying experience was able to safely land an
aircraft without incident.The teamwork of those (passenger and controllers) involved was heroic
in the positive outcome of this situation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County,
Florida, does hereby honor Christopher "Chip" Flores and Justin Boyle as St. Lucie County Local
heroes for their brave actions.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7th day of June 2022.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: ST. LUCIE COUNTY FL IDA
Chair
latt' APPROVE ND CORRECTNESS
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