Ascension : Flight Safety Commendation Award - Citation Samantha Arms-Lawrence
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 14.08.2008 (Article Archived on 28.08.2008)

Mrs. Samantha Arms-Lawrence is employed by Serco Defence, Science & Technology as an Aircraft Handler within the Visiting Aircraft Handling Section on Ascension Island Base

Left to Right  -

Base Chief Engineer Mr. Larry Poultney, the Ascension Base Commander, Sqn Ldr Chris Ramsden, Mrs Samantha Arms Lawrence and The Serco Contract Manager Mr. Mal Moss.

On the 23^rd June 2008, Samantha was tasked as part of the ground handling team to conduct a Turn Round on the South Atlantic Scheduled DC10-30 transiting through Ascension from the UK to the Falklands. Whilst conducting her ground handling duties, Samantha noticed fluid leaking from behind the centre fuselage landing gear. Acting entirely on her own initiative she quickly brought this to the attention of the aircraft Ground Engineer.

Subsequent investigation revealed it to be a hydraulic leak which was deemed serious enough to warrant immediate rectification action before the aircraft’s next flight. The aircraft took off safely some three hours later, which clearly indicated the seriousness of the fault.

Although Samantha is not an engineer by trade and has only been employed in an aircraft environment for less than nine months; through her vigilance, Flight Safety awareness and prompt action, she prevented a potentially dangerous situation from developing further with the subsequent risk to the aircraft, crew and 200 passengers on board.

Orig Signed

C P RAMSDEN