[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BORDEN BYRD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2007

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Borden Byrd for 
his heroic effort to save a possible collision between two jets on 
August 24, 2006.
  Mr. Byrd is the air traffic controller at DFW TRACON (DIO), one of 
the control towers for the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport. As 
DFW is among the top three busiest airports in the Nation, the 
controllers must be focused and attentive at all times to ensure safe 
and smooth air traffic. If it were not for Mr. Byrd's immediate 
reaction and sharp eye, two jets, an American Airlines MD80 and a 
United Express regional jet, might have collided last August.
  That day, the regional jet's pilots had entered an incorrect runway 
into the Flight Management System, which put the jet directly into the 
path of the MD80. Luckily, Mr. Byrd noticed the anticipated trajectory 
paths for the jets and directed the regional jet immediately to the 
west, out of the path of the MD80. His careful watch and proactive 
character saved numerous lives that day.
  It is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Borden Byrd for his 
exceptional service not only to Dallas-Fort Worth International 
airport, but also to our community. His knowledge and dedication to air 
safety prevented a great tragedy from occurring, and I join his family 
and friends in congratulating him on this heroic affair.

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