FO Saves Baggage Handler While Making the Rounds

Pilot leadership in the Frontier Airlines family recognized one of their own who "likely saved the life of a ramp worker during an incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last October."

The Frontier Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association, International presented its own  MEC Safety Award to First Officer Joel Byler, citing his quick thinking to assist the ramper, who was injured while working around his aircraft. The incident took place while Byler was  performing a walk-around inspection outside the Airbus aircraft sitting on the ramp in preparation for a flight to Atlanta, Georgia.  Tyler spotted a camper that was pulled onto the moving belt on the loader, at "imminent risk of being killed or severely injured." She suffered serious injuries due to the brief window she was subjected to the loader's mechanic attentions, but Byler's quick action to shut it down prevented further injury or death.

“Joel’s quick response and decisive actions saved the life of a ramp agent, exemplifying the highest standards of safety and professionalism in the aviation industry,” said First Officer Sheldon Devantier, Vice Chair of Frontier’s Local Council 169. “The pilot’s profession requires vigilance at all times while on duty, and at times requires the execution of actions for which the pilot has not been trained. It is with great pride that we present this Safety Award to Joel Byler for going above and beyond the call of duty to protect the life of a fellow team member."

Byler has been with the company since 2022, based in Florida as an FO on the A320/A321 at Frontier.

FMI: www.alpa.org