Federal Aviation Administration responds to tape where child directs planes
March 4th, 2010 - 1:29 am ICT by BNO NewsWASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The two employees at John F. Kennedy Airport Tower are on administrative leave following an incident in February when a child was talking to pilots on an air traffic control frequency, the Federal Aviation Administration announced on Wednesday.
“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.
On a February 17 tape, a child’s voice is heard making transmissions to pilots preparing to take off. Such tape was acquired by a TV station in Boston. A male voice said “That’s what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school.”
After the incident, an investigation was launched and two JFK Tower employees, a supervisor and an air traffic controller, were suspended. The FAA investigation is ongoing and is currently reviewing air traffic control policies and procedures related to facility visitors.
“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.”
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