2 Children allowed to direct planes at JFK airport

New York, Mar 4: In a major violation of Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) policies, two children were twice allowed direct air traffic, under adult supervision, at John F Kennedy International Airport on Feb 2010, the FAA said on Wednesday, Mar 3.

In two separate incidents which took place on Feb 16 and 17, two children, believed to be those of the tower controller were heard directing pilots.

Transmissions broadcast by local media revealed a young boy talking to the pilots on Feb 16.

"JetBlue 171 contact departure," the boy can be heard saying. The pilot replied: "Over to departure JetBlue 171, awesome job." An adult can be heard telling a pilot: "This is what you guys get when the kids are out of school."

The boy reportedly gave five transmissions to pilots.

Similarly on Feb 17, a young girl was heard directing the pilots.

FAA has placed the airport supervisor and an air traffic controller on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the incidents.

"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," FAA administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement.

FAA said that during the investigation all unofficial visits to FAA air traffic control areas including towers and radar rooms will remain suspended.

The authorities added that a full review of policies and procedures regarding visitors will be made.

OneIndia News