Embry-Riddle students Chris Shields of Butler, left, and Connor Cvetan were flying this Cessna 150, practicing for an upcoming flight competition earlier this month when they heard a radio mayday call. They sprung into action, providing emergency workers with information that helped lead to a downed pilot’s rescue. Submitted photo/RICH GARNER

Butler native Chris Shields was one of two Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University flight students who helped in the rescue of an 81-year-old downed pilot.

Shields, a senior, and Connor Cvetan, a flight instructor and aeronautical science junior at the Daytona Beach University, were flying near Palatka, Fla., March 14 when they heard an emergency call over the radio that a pilot nearby had just experienced engine failure at 800 feet.

“We were members of the Eagles Flight team. It’s a competitive team for solely flight events. We were practicing precision landings,” said Shields, who will graduate from Embry-Riddle in May.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.