Rachel Bremer, Tyler Flanum, Andrew Hill, and Ryan Jones Honored with the Great Lakes Region Archie League Medal of Safety

When a pilot with no instrument training became trapped above a thick layer of clouds, the difference between a dangerous descent and a safe landing came down to patient, expert coaching. At the Archie League Medal of Safety Award Banquet during Communicating For Safety 2026, controllers Rachel Bremer, Tyler Flanum, Andrew Hill, and Ryan Jones were honored for talking the pilot through an unfamiliar descent step by step. Their teamwork brought an inexperienced pilot safely back to the ground.

NATCA Great Lakes Regional Vice President Dean Von Almen presented Rachel Bremer, Tyler Flanum, Andrew Hill, and Ryan Jones with the Archie League Medal of Safety Award for the Great Lakes Region — one of two remarkable saves in the region this year.

Learn more about this remarkable event in the full Archie League Awards story: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/1546597-archie-awards-2026-website/7?