Apparently, the current recession turned depression, is hitting air traffic controllers harder than the public realized, as child labor was informally employed when a boy was heard directing planes at Kennedy Airport in New York.
According to the Associated Press, "
The Judiciary Report does not think the air traffic controller meant any harm, but as it was a safety violation, he was suspended. However, he should not lose his job.
Audio indicates kid directed planes at NY airport
NEW YORK — An air traffic controller at New York's Kennedy Airport was suspended for allowing his young son to radio instructions to several pilots. The few quick exchanges between the elementary-school-aged child and jets waiting to take off from JFK, one of the nation's busiest airports, appeared to delight pilots at the time...
"JetBlue 171 cleared for takeoff," the boy says in his first call. His father follows that up with a more detailed instruction for the aircraft, which was headed to Sacramento, Calif. He then offers an explanation to pilots on the air: "This is what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school."
In a second exchange, the boy instructs the same JetBlue flight to contact departure controllers. The pilot responds: "Over to departure JetBlue 171, awesome job!"
There are a few more similar exchanges. A pilot laughs. The boy can be overheard giggling. In his last call, the youngster signs off, "Adios, amigo." The pilot responds in kind...
