[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. BILL BUEVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill Buevens 
for his commitment to safety as an air traffic controller at the 
Dallas/Fort Worth Terminal Radar Approach Control.
  On a warm, cloudy night with poor visibility, Mr. Buevens noticed 
American Airlines Flight 599 approaching the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport 
lined up incorrectly on the runway by fault of the instrument landing 
systems.
  After noticing that a problem might potentially arise, Buevens 
remained on constant watch of Flight 599 which seemed weary on his 
instinct. Drawing on his 18 years of experience and hunch, Buevens' 
fear proved true when the plane lined up to the wrong runway where 
another flight was taxiing for take off.
  Buevens immediately alerted the tower controller who then contacted 
the pilot and realigned the flight to the correct runway. This save is 
credited as remarkable because of the radar display.
  Mr. Buevens was honored with the NATCA's Archies League Medal of 
Safety, which is named for the first U.S. air traffic controller. He is 
one of 11 controllers honored this year for saves.
  I am honored to today to recognize the exceptional service of Mr. 
Bill Buevens. His knowledge and dedication to safety saved not only the 
air line from a great travesty, but also kept the estimated 300 
passengers out of harm's way.

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