So, an Aircraft Traffic Controller brings his kid to work with him and lets the kid say a few phrases to the pilots and of course, some people completely lose their shit
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The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating why a child was allowed to direct air traffic at John F. Kennedy airport, one of the busiest airports in the country. … "Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic," the FAA said in a statement. "This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees."
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating why a child was allowed to direct air traffic at John F. Kennedy airport, one of the busiest airports in the country.
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"Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic," the FAA said in a statement. "This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees."
Good Lord, the kid was most emphatically NOT directing air traffic. I can't imagine his father brought him in, sat him behind the radar, told him to make sure planes didn't crash, then went out for a smoke and a donut. Instead, the father probably put a spare headset on him and told him "Say '434 You are cleared for takeoff'" and brightened up a few pilots' days in the process.
I have no problem with them investigating to make sure nothing hinky was going on (see smoke & a donut phrase above for an example), but the condemnations are uncalled for in my opinion.
I understand ATC is important and serious work. Having your kid clear someone for takeoff might not be 'professional' but why suck all the joy out of life?
Hat Tip Sailorcurt