George Zurales 

South Area – November 2019

While working the EON radar position, Mr. Zurales observed a Mode-C Intruder, indicating 17,500 feet.  The aircraft was flying directly toward an active Special Use Airspace (SUA) with F16s operating in it.  Mr. Zurales transmitted “in the blind” via VHF emergency frequency 121.5, hoping that the pilot was monitoring, and suggested a heading to avoid the SUA.  Additionally, George asked the pilot to contact him via the sector frequency. Fortunately, the pilot of N1452W was monitoring guard frequency, so they turned to the suggested heading and contacted Mr. Zurales on his frequency. Mr. Zurales radar identified N1452W and began providing VFR flight following, ensuring safe guidance around the SUA.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Zurales’ alertness and high attention to detail, followed by his swift corrective actions, prevented a VFR aircraft from entering an active combat training zone, which likely would have created a dangerous situation for all involved.