JFK Air Traffic Control Aided By Kid In Tower
By Brian M. Rafferty
A recording of a young boy helping direct air traffic around Kennedy Airport has gotten the staff on duty in hot water and raised questions about security.
In the recording, which was made Feb. 17, during the week City students had off from school, a child's voice is heard saying "JetBlue 171, cleared for take-off," and other instructions to pilots. The pilots responded with chuckles and a voice is heard saying, "This is what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school."
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement Tuesday in response to the circulation of the recording.
Flight controllers at JFK's tower sit at a board that shows pending flights, observe monitors that track the places and look out the window to see conditions before giving flights clearance to take off.
"Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic," read the statement issued by spokesman Jim Peters. "This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees."
Peters said he was unable to provide any additional comment, and could not elaborate further.
On average, there are eight to 10 people on duty at JFK's control tower. The positions, which rotate on shifts, include ground control, clearance delivery, local control and traffic management. The primary job description includes making sure the runway is clear and authorizing flights for liftoff.
The control tower is considered a "sterile" environment, and there is always a lead manager on duty who is responsible for the conditions in the tower.
Reach Editor Brian M. Rafferty at brafferty@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 122.