NEW YORK (WPIX)—
An air traffic controller - under fire for allowing his 7-year-old son to give directions to pilots at John F. Kennedy International Airport - apparently also let his young daughter do the very same thing the next day, sources tell PIX News.The air traffic controller, identified as Glenn Duffy, 48, of Stony Brook, and his supervisor have since been placed on administrative leave after the Federal Aviation Administration learned of the shocking incidents that took place last month.
Even more stunning is that Duffy, a veteran air traffic controller, boasts an impressive resume which includes working at the towers at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport. He is also a former president of the union local at Newark.
According to officials, on Feb. 16 Duffy brought his 7-year-old son, who was home from school, to work. The FAA says the second-grader was heard on five different transmissions on that day.
AUDIO: Boy's Air Traffic Control Transmissions At JFK
He appeared to be supervised when he got onto the headsets and spoke to the pilots. On Feb. 17, Duffy's daughter took her turn at the helm, directing traffic at the airport.
The transmissions surfaced online at LiveATC.net, a website for air traffic control enthusiasts, last month.
The FAA stated only licensed controllers or controller trainees under direct supervision of certified controllers are allowed to communicate with pilots.
The pilots, however, seemed to be amused and one even says "awesome job" to the child.
Another pilot said to the controller at the JFK tower, "I wish I could bring my kid to the office."
But the FAA said in a statement, "Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employees involved in this incident are not controlling air traffic. This behavior is not acceptable and does not demonstrate the kind of professionalism expected from all FAA employees."
AUDIO: Boy's Air Traffic Control Transmissions At JFK
A union representing air traffic controllers also stated, "We do not condone this type of behavior in any way, and it is not indicative of the highest professional standards that controllers set for themselves and exceed each and every day in the advancement of aviation safety."
It is unclear how long the FAA's investigation will take.
The name of the controller-in-charge were not immediately released.
New York City school children experienced two snow days this year on February 10 and 26, and were on midwinter recess from Feburary 15 to 19. It is unclear if the snow days or recess are related to the children being home from school.
