Kid Controller Controversy

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JFK airport is one of the largest airports in the country, handling a thousand takeoffs and landings a day. But on Feb. 17 a child was caught on tape in the control tower directing air traffic and giving instructions to pilots.

"Jet Blue 171, clear for takeoff," the young boy said, according to audio recordings from LiveATC.net.

The pilot replied "Clear for takeoff, 171."

The child's father, who is a certified controller, brought his son to work with him but then put him to work as well, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"This is what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school," the father said to a pilot.

"Wish I could bring my kid to work," the pilot responded.

Yet on the audio recording, the pilots appear more amused than worried.

"Jet Blue 171, contact departure," the boy said.

"Over to Jet Blue departure, 171. Awesome job," the pilot responded.

The young boy continued directing pilots for several takeoffs and landings.

"4-0-3, prepare for takeoff," the boy said.

"4-0-3, preparing for takeoff. Thank you very much, have a great day," the pilot responded.

"MS 4-0-3, contact departure, adios," the boy said.

"Adios, amigo," the boy said.

"Adios, amigo," the pilot responded. "Over to departure, Jet Blue 195."

The FAA, which hasn't released the names of the controlllers involved, is not treating this as a joke. It is investigating the controller, as well as a supervising controller. Both have been relieved of their duties, the FAA said.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/boy-directs-air-traffic-jfk-airport-caught-tape/story?id=9995927