FAA investigating JFK air traffic controllers allowing child to direct pilots

[MrCoffee]

We live in such a sterilized society now that it is just a matter of time before "fun" is illegal. Instead, it'll be "was that safe or what?" "wanna go have some safe?" "my safe meter is pegging!"

 

[Dornier 335]

Life at the FAA must be slow these days if they make a non-issue an issue.

Errr ... I have never seen a "fast" day at the FAA (except when the clock strikes 4 : 00 pm).

 

[waveflyer]

I actually did fly a plane as an intern---
what a complete bs story. I would hope they would encourage this type of thing-
And it does make me pissed that with all the very real safety concerns the FAA ought to be dealing with (rest, outsourcing etc) that this will occupy a second of their time-
I recommend letters written as professionally as possible how ridiculous this story is and expressing support for the controllers

 

[Salukipilot4590]

We live in such a sterilized society now that it is just a matter of time before "fun" is illegal. Instead, it'll be "was that safe or what?" "wanna go have some safe?" "my safe meter is pegging!"

That's about the way it was in college for me... Party school? I think not...

... and I thought things would relax a bit with the "new" FAA administrator!

I see what you did there...you put relax and the FAA in the same sentence....nice!

 

[Dornier 335]

The crime has been recorded and made public through You Tube. I agree with Whine Lover's proposal for punishment.

You Tube

 

[Kalifornia]

This is ridiculous. Kids need role models in this country and not the Tiger Woods of the world. We need more father son mentoring and less big brother throwing yellow flags.

There is no foul here, more tax dollars spent by the FAA to burn red tape and launch investigations while big problems are left to fester.

Best of the replies. Meanwhile, a 16 hour duty day is still good to land at night into weather, but thank goodness we took away the threat of some kid helping everyone stay more awake by mixing it up and throwing in some fun.

 

[andyd]

I'm looking at this from a different viewpoint I guess. I say the controller and supervisor both get their licenses revoked and they get fired...just like the FAA does to PILOTS who make mistakes. Let their lives get screwed up, retirement put in jeopardy, tarnish their professional reputation, publish their home address's and have the media hound them and their family. Then they can pay out of their pocket to sue the FAA into getting their jobs back......just like us PILOTS!!!!!!!

Why are you guys so freaking supportive of an FAA guy but ya'll stand in line to sling mud at fellow pilots who make an honest mistake???

 

[Kalifornia]

I'm looking at this from a different viewpoint I guess. I say the controller and supervisor both get their licenses revoked and they get fired...just like the FAA does to PILOTS who make mistakes. Let their lives get screwed up, retirement put in jeopardy, tarnish their professional reputation, publish their home address's and have the media hound them and their family. Then they can pay out of their pocket to sue the FAA into getting their jobs back......just like us PILOTS!!!!!!!

Why are you guys so freaking supportive of an FAA guy but ya'll stand in line to sling mud at fellow pilots who make an honest mistake???

I hardly think of a have fun on the job, but still be actively doing it as a "FAA guy" Heck, most of the FAA jumpseaters I've met are cool and not the stereotypical bad cop let's find a reason to bust some chops "FAA guy". Yea, I think the FAA's and media's reaction to the flyover was unreasonable, but the answer is not to burn everyone.

 

[AC560]

These things are harmless till somebody gets killed. I am sure the Russian who let his kid steer a jet in his lap didn't think much of it till they crashed and died.

Feel bad for the guy and the kid, but common sense should have said it wasn't a bright idea.

 

[K.V.]

First of all - andyd, your post is one of the most idiotic ones I've ever read!

Second - Because this is such a non-issue, I'd like to think that the the FAA's reaction is nothing but damage control due to the media completely blowing it out of proportion. People are simply afraid of what they don't understand.

 

[Skyboy722]

Whoa, Andy, when did ATC become the enemy?

 

[OPECJet]

I thought the kid did a good job. Looks like I'm not alone. You guys getting your panties in a wad need to relax a little. This profession is crappy enough on both sides on the mic.

 

[405]

I wonder if any consideration has been taken with suspending two qualified and experienced JFK tower controllers with the four month construction project on runway 13R/31L going on now?

Just a thought.

 

[johnsonrod]

I have heard this ATC guy several times. Is he the same guy who says, "seeee ya" (serious NY accent) after asking you to contact departure?

I think all of the JFK guys/gals are very professional considering the traffic demands and the various foreign accents. What do you expect, it's New York. Just forgettaboutit....

 

[WMUSIGPI]

clr4theapch, you do know we are talking about the FAA here right? They get a "mental" hard-on when it comes to investigating and violating people. Don't count on them for more important issues ....

Edit:

Any controllers out here? Is it a violation to let someone repeat instructions over the frequency if that person is being monitored?

If so then 100% of the current trainees would be in violation (as well as every studen pilot)

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Total non issue?!

Safety may not have been compromised, and the idea of taking your kid to work may be cool. But this is the post 9/11 world, and this occured at JFK, not some GA airport in rural Kansas. There are things that common sense dictate that you just do not do. The fact that an air traffic controller did not have the judgement to realize that this would get out, and heads would roll over this, is what is the most scary. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who can't think more than 30 seconds ahead.

And unfortunatley I have to agree with this as well... Pre 9/11 Nobody would have cared if my wife or (if I had one) kid rode the jumpseat and watched what I do. Today TSA would have me hung in the town square without a trial for something like that.

 

[GuppyWN]

Please. You guys that get spun up about weak sista's. Grow a pair.

Gup

 

[igneousy2]

I would prefer this then some of the newbs they got ACTUALLY controlling aircraft.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Best of the replies. Meanwhile, a 16 hour duty day is still good to land at night into weather, but thank goodness we took away the threat of some kid helping everyone stay more awake by mixing it up and throwing in some fun.

I have already voiced that exact concern to my congressman today... I think he was completely ignoring me while thinking of his next reelection slogan....

 

[Dizel8]

Andyd,

While the ATC folks work for the FAA, I for one certainly don't consider them the enemy.

Now the gent with the clipboard that decides to do a ramp check at 3am in the morning and who considers enforcement action because the 20-30 yr old freighter is missing a couple of OEM stickers, now that is a different story.