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F A A fires the kid~~~~~~~
- Thread starter Lynnie
- Start date
Will B
Moderator
I was amazed at how many people thought it was no big deal, I hope Doctors in surgery do not have bring your kids to work day.
It is and it isn't. I'm not condoning it, but, technically, the kid did not control any aircraft by telling them where do go and give them altitudes.
Still not right, though. There's one FAA guy with his britches in a binder!
Andy A
Beach Fanatic
What the FAA controller did was in poor taste and ill advised but lets put a different slant on it.
He was standing there, in all probability, with a headset on and microphone in his hand, ready to interupt at any moment. His son was getting the thrill of a lifetime, possibly charting the future course of his life. I have heard the transmission by the young man. As a former pilot with over 6000 hours, I would have chuckled, said Roger that and been on my way. Remember, it is a pilot's perogative and duty to question any transmission which he considers inappropriate or suspect. He has the final authority and control of an aircraft and its operation. It was a mistake but not one that should cost someone their job or livelihood. If the same attitude had been shown me as some show this young man, I would never have been allowed to begin flying at the age of 14 and probably would not have made it a career. I understand where the father was coming from. I also am thankful my father had somewhat the same attitude.
He was standing there, in all probability, with a headset on and microphone in his hand, ready to interupt at any moment. His son was getting the thrill of a lifetime, possibly charting the future course of his life. I have heard the transmission by the young man. As a former pilot with over 6000 hours, I would have chuckled, said Roger that and been on my way. Remember, it is a pilot's perogative and duty to question any transmission which he considers inappropriate or suspect. He has the final authority and control of an aircraft and its operation. It was a mistake but not one that should cost someone their job or livelihood. If the same attitude had been shown me as some show this young man, I would never have been allowed to begin flying at the age of 14 and probably would not have made it a career. I understand where the father was coming from. I also am thankful my father had somewhat the same attitude.
scooterbug44
SoWal Expert
I probably wouldn't have a problem with it IF it happened at a smaller airport. The pilots were okay with it, the kid was supervised, and I would have loved it at that age.
The sheer volume at JFK, safety issues, and the number of rules it violated is what makes me think it was a very bad idea.
For perspective, the pilots I fly with in 2-4 seat planes don't let me speak to the tower at small regional airports because of concerns about confusion.
The sheer volume at JFK, safety issues, and the number of rules it violated is what makes me think it was a very bad idea.
For perspective, the pilots I fly with in 2-4 seat planes don't let me speak to the tower at small regional airports because of concerns about confusion.
Just Curious
Beach Fanatic
I don't have a real issue with it. It's not like the kid was in the tower by himself giving random instructions.
scooterbug44
SoWal Expert
It gets better - apparently his sister got to talk to planes the next day. 
Major international airport control tower as daycare during school break - not so bueno IMO.
Major international airport control tower as daycare during school break - not so bueno IMO.