New KJFK Controller? ? ?

[atcman23]

A few questions:

Was it legal for the kid to broadcast like that?
Are there any other clips or examples of this?

 

Probably not but who cares... he probably brightened a lot of people's day.  I hope the controller doesn't get in trouble for that.

[cptbrw]

The first Jetblue crew really seemed to enjoy the guest controller.  There was another "guest" child controller in the JFK Tower again this evening but I only heard 2 transmissions from him and his radio procedure was not as "polished!"   

[cbkyro]

Damn! I had just editted this once I found it in the archives and was fixing to post it. Haha
I hate not being first when I finally get the chance!

Taking this to ATC CTI class for a laugh..

-CB

[Jason]

This is awesome and brings a smile to my face every time I listen to it. Nice work, kid. 

Best,
Jason

[flaps]

The best clip of LiveATC!

Thanks much!!!!!!

[Dan CZQM]

That is a great capture.  And the fact that he was kept to giving minimum instruction should not get anyone into trouble.
He was easier to understand than the guy giving taxi to position and hold 

The best I could do for my kids was bring them to a dirty warehouse!!  Maybe that dad would adopt me 

Dan
CZQM/CYQM Feeder

[SirIsaac726]

A few questions:

Was it legal for the kid to broadcast like that?
Are there any other clips or examples of this?

 

Probably not but who cares... he probably brightened a lot of people's day.  I hope the controller doesn't get in trouble for that.

Definitely brought a smile to my day but if I was that controller, I wouldn't let me child do that, especially at JFK.  Maybe if I was at a small, slow traffic airfield then yeah but not at JFK.  You know for a fact the FAA can't be too happy about this.

[ManagerJosh]

I respectfully would disagree atcman23. It sounded like the dad was in control the entire time based on the pace of how things were going. It would not surprise me one bit he was controlling when the mic was on or not.

I also noticed the kid was given only two classifications of things to say.

1. clear for take off
2. contact departure

There was even one instance when the dad cleared a Jetblue flight to take off and there was wind information. The dad clearly had control there.


Risks? Not any higher from what I can gather based on the clip.

[aevins]

Why so quick to assume it was that controller's son?

[TC]

  And the fact that he was kept to giving minimum instruction should not get anyone into trouble.

Don't bet on it.  3rd party use of atc frequencies is authorized in limited instances and control instructions are expressly forbidden in those cases.  I personally know a controller who's been disciplined/suspended for doing exactly this when a group of kids was visiting the tower.  Flame away if you want/must, but we're not there to be cool or provide people entertainment.  We're there to separate aircraft.

[NAplaya16-ATC]

Oh come on TC!!!

Ya we're here to keep things safe and this is definitely a serious business, but if you cant find the time to add or bring a little bit of enjoyment and humor into the equation, then its gonna be a long tiresome work life. 

And...

Ya we are here to separate aircraft, and thats what "Controller Jr." (as i will call him) did!!!  Matter of fact, I'd put up the argument that that was excellent use of all manpower in the tower that day!!!  Controller Jr. was able to help take some of the load and the stress off the main controller, while also keeping perfect transmissions and phraseology!!!   Maybe the FAA should take some notes, rather than get upset and criticize!!!

-NAplaya

[Robert Larson]

so the controller on duty during the hudson helicopter crash got in trouble for talking to his girlfriend on a landline... but THIS is OK?

As a father of two I can assure that no matter how good the youngster's phraseology, having a "kid at work" does nothing to decrease stress & workload and surely increases both greatly.

[Hollis]

Technically the little guy would be in violation if he alone was the controller, but since his daddy apparently prompted him as to exactly what to say, he was merely acting as the voice of the actual controller. No harm in that!

[atcman23]

I respectfully would disagree atcman23. It sounded like the dad was in control the entire time based on the pace of how things were going. It would not surprise me one bit he was controlling when the mic was on or not.

I also noticed the kid was given only two classifications of things to say.

1. clear for take off
2. contact departure

There was even one instance when the dad cleared a Jetblue flight to take off and there was wind information. The dad clearly had control there.


Risks? Not any higher from what I can gather based on the clip.

I think you're disagreeing with someone else's post, not mine.  Unless you're disagreeing with my original post to this topic, in which case you didn't get the joke.

I know what the kid was doing and what he said.  It was obvious he was being told what to say.

Not only that, he had an excellent New York accent. 

[TC]

Ya we're here to keep things safe and this is definitely a serious business, but if you cant find the time to add or bring a little bit of enjoyment and humor into the equation, then its gonna be a long tiresome work life. 

LOL!  Thanks for the advice; it's much appreciated.  If your profile info is correct, I've been at this career almost as long as you've been alive.  I laugh plenty and I sleep well.  I'd suggest that getting your ass in trouble and being disciplined is actually what can make for a long and tiresome career.  For me, the years have flown by and I've had and have plenty of fun both on the frequency and in the cab.  Just haven't broken the rules and put my paycheck on the line, that's all.