Wed, Mar 03, 2010
Child In Control Tower Was Permitted To Talk To Pilots
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that
two employees at John F. Kennedy Airport Tower are on
administrative leave following an incident last month when a child
was permitted to talk with pilots on an air traffic control
frequency.
"This lapse in judgment not only violated FAA's own policies,
but common sense standards for professional conduct. These kinds of
distractions are totally unacceptable," said FAA Administrator
Randy Babbitt. "We have an incredible team of professionals who
safely control our nation's skies every single day. This kind of
behavior does not reflect the true caliber of our workforce."
Audio recordings of the child's conversation with several pilots
was posted on a website where people can listen to ATC proceedings.
Television station WNBC in New York transcribed a portion of those
recordings, in which the child is heard clearing a JetBlue flight
for takeoff, and then handing it off to departure. "Great Job",
someone is heard saying over the frequency.
The two JFK Tower employees, a supervisor and an air traffic
controller, are on administrative leave pending the outcome of an
official FAA investigation into the incident which is already
underway.
In addition, all unofficial visits to FAA air traffic control
operational areas, such as towers and radar rooms, will be
suspended during the investigation. The FAA Administrator has
directed a team to conduct a full-scale review of air traffic
control policies and procedures related to facility visitors.
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