It became hot news after a child's voice being heard in air traffic control communication with pilots at John F. Kennedy Airport tower (Boston Fox 25 news). JFK airport is the sixth busiest airport in the U.S. Consequently, two employees at JFK airport tower are on administrative leave due to the lack of professionalism. Their futures and their families' futures will be decided by the final verdict from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This kind of distractions is totally unacceptable to FAA according to FAA spokesman. The development of this story is highly debatable. Some people feel the punishment is out of proportion and the other would completely agree with FAA that the work is too important that has zero tolerance of errors.
I asked myself which side I am on. After 2 days, I remain undecided. The fact is that there is no doubt of the importance of air traffic control (ATC). Many lives are dependent on air traffic transmission. I agree with the idea that ATC room is not a playground. The air controllers were probably not thinking wisely. The child appeared to be under supervision as a control explained the reason for the young voice, and instructions were given to pilots on the ground. Given how bad our economic is, I have deep fear for the air controllers and their families if they lose their jobs. I hope that there is a way to save their jobs.
The case of child in air traffic control tower is extreme and not common because of the demand for their absolute perfection. Most of parents, similar to me, probably do enjoy some freedom of bringing kids to work. Sometime, it is unavoidable if child is sick suddenly. I was in trouble once that I took my 3-year old sick child to a 9:00 AM company meeting. My kid was throwing up at 8: 35 AM right after I dropped him at daycare. The teacher called me on my cell phone, I turned around to pick my poor child and then we rushed to my scheduled company meeting at 9:00. My boss was surprised to see us, and told me after the meeting that I should drop the kid home before I come to the meeting. I thought that it is a common sense: Kids are sent to daycare because nobody can take care of them at work.
It is difficult with a high profile case. But, with so many competent staffs, FAA will have an ideal resolution harboring merits, humanity and professionalism.
