New York airport jets 'directed by child'

[Savonarola]

Why can't children just stick to making sneakers at 50 cents an hour?

New York airport jets 'directed by child' 
 

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".

[MadImmortalMan]

I think it's cool.

[DGuller]

Pfft, in Russia, kids fly the plane (although only for short periods of time).

[Savonarola]

Pfft, in Russia, kids fly the plane (although only for short periods of time).

It's like Radiohead said: "Gravity always wins."

[Grey Fox]

The kid sounds he was already trained for the job. What's the big deal?

[Savonarola]

The kid sounds he was already trained for the job. What's the big deal?

He wasn't a member of the Traffic Controller's union.

[Malthus]

Pfft, in Russia, kids fly the plane (although only for short periods of time).

Heh, I saw that episode of Seconds From Disaster. 

[Jaron]

It sounds like his dad was telling him what to say. It sounds like there was no risk to anyone and they are  only making a fuss about this really because they have to.

[KRonn]

Enhancing the "bring your child to work" day!  Let the kid do the work too.   

[Josquius]

It sounds like his dad was telling him what to say. It sounds like there was no risk to anyone and they are  only making a fuss about this really because they have to.

Pretty much.

[Darth Wagtaros]

The kid sounds he was already trained for the job. What's the big deal?

He wasn't a member of the Traffic Controller's union.

We now come to the cusp of the matter.  That poor kid's legs will be broked by morning.

[Strix]

The kid sounds he was already trained for the job. What's the big deal?

He wasn't a member of the Traffic Controller's union.

We now come to the cusp of the matter.  That poor kid's legs will be broked by morning.

[sbr]

That's nothing, Dwight Schrute piloted a plane at the age of 4.

[Caliga]

Pfft, in Russia, kids fly the plane (although only for short periods of time).

It's funny cause it's true. 

[Razgovory]

The kid sounds he was already trained for the job. What's the big deal?

I think the real fear is that the air traffic controllers are terrified that the public will find out how easy it is.