Jon Hayes – West Area – April 2019

N877H (CL60) transited the southeastern portion of ZAU’s HNC (91, combined with AWG, 95) airspace at FL380. After the aircraft was transferred to ZKC, but still within ZAU airspace, it encountered turbulence and reported it to ZKC. The ZKC controller called AWG/HNC to request control for lower, and stated, “He lost 800 feet of altitude because the rides are too choppy.” The HNC controller relayed that information to the RBS sector since the encounter was near their mutual boundary.

Meanwhile, Jon Hayes was arriving in the area for his shift. While receiving a position relief briefing, Jon observed a PIREP for severe turbulence in HNC airspace on the WARP, and brought the PIREP to the attention of the controller he was relieving, and the rest of the West Area, including the CIC. Additionally, shortly after taking over the sector, and more than 20 minutes after the turbulence encounter, Mr. Hayes called ZKC to acquire more information on N877H. The ZKC controller stated that the pilot “reported moderate, I guess he said severe, but I don’t know if he really meant it or not, but he said he lost 1400 feet of altitude…” Mr. Hayes’ diligence allowed Chicago Center to become aware of a potentially hazardous weather situation and disseminate that information properly. Jon was commended for his awareness, his preparation prior to taking a sector, and his attention to detail when following up with ZKC.