US officials are investigating how a child was apparently allowed to direct planes at New York's JFK airport - one of the country's busiest.
The probe comes after an audiotape caught the boy directing several pilots preparing for take-off last month.
In one exchange, the boy is heard saying: "JetBlue 171 contact departure." The pilot responds: "Over to departure JetBlue 171, awesome job."
The boy was apparently with his father - a certified air traffic controller.
The adult is later heard saying with a laugh: "That's what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school."
In another exchange, the child says: "MS 4-0-3, contact departure," and then adds: "Adios, amigo."
The pilot responds: "Adios, amigo."
The pilots on the tape appear to be not concerned that a child is giving them instructions.
The incident happened on 17 February, when many New York pupils were on a week-long break.
The age and name of the child and the adult on the audiotape were not immediately known.
'Not indicative' incident
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement: "Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic.
"This behaviour is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees."
The agency did not give any further details.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said the incident was "not indicative of the highest professional standards that controllers set for themselves and exceed each and every day in the advancement of aviation safely".
_________________ At the end of the day, it's night.
Post subject: Re: New York airport jets 'directed by child'
Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 1:26 am
Stone's Bitch
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 4:43 pm Posts: 7633 Location: Philly Del Fia Gender: Female
I think this is an over reaction. He didn't leave the room and let his kid take over his post. He sat next to him, told him what to say and let him talk into the microphone. Every pilot repeats everything back as they hear it for confirmation - if the kid had said anything wrong, his father very easily could have corrected him before anything happened. Which it didn't. Lighten up.
Post subject: Re: New York airport jets 'directed by child'
Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2010 11:33 am
Red Mosquito, my libido
Joined: Sun May 21, 2006 2:02 am Posts: 91597 Location: Sector 7-G
NaiveAndTrue wrote:
I think this is an over reaction. He didn't leave the room and let his kid take over his post. He sat next to him, told him what to say and let him talk into the microphone. Every pilot repeats everything back as they hear it for confirmation - if the kid had said anything wrong, his father very easily could have corrected him before anything happened. Which it didn't. Lighten up.
I don't know. I feel like I'd normally agree with this but directing air traffic at JFK airport isn't something you should let your kid do. Yeah, I know he said the right things and the dad was right there, but the dude has a job that he should be taking VERY seriously and this makes it look like he doesn't take what he does that seriously.
_________________ It takes a big man to make a threat on the internet.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot post attachments in this forum
