[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S8160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PHIL PETRIK

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to bring recognition to 
a special Montanan, Phil Petrik. Phil is a commercial pilot in Sidney, 
Montana. One afternoon, Phil overheard another pilot talking to someone 
at the Williston, North Dakota airport on the radio. Apparently, the 
pilot was above the clouds and could not find a hole to make it through 
to land.
  The pilot stated that he would fly on to the Watford City airport and 
see if he could land there. Later in the day, Petrik once again heard 
the pilot calling the Eilliston airport, requesting information about 
landing.
  Unfortunately, the conditions had not changed. Phil then contacted 
the Williston airport to inquire if there was someone there who could 
guide the pilot down. He was informed that there was not. Phil got into 
his own plane and flew to approximately where the plane in distress 
should be and he finally found him. The other pilot told Phil he had 
about 30 minutes of fuel left. Phil had the FAA clear the airspace and 
they started down through the clouds. The two planes were in the clouds 
for about 90 seconds. Petrik guided the other plane to the airport and 
returned home.
  Upon his arrival in Sidney, Phil found out that the pilot had 
actually only one minute and 20 seconds of fuel left when he made it to 
the ground. Phil has already been recognized by the Federal Aviation 
Association for his valiant act of selflessness. His peers in Montana 
have all told me that this is an example of the type of man Mr. Petrik 
is. It is a great honor for me to share this story of valor and 
compassion. One man willing to risk his life for another. Please join 
me in offering congratulations and thanks to Phil Petrik.

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