Archive for March 5th, 2010
Earth to Matilda
Why is everyone so mad about the air traffic controller who let his kid talk to pilots? I understand the importance of the job and how absolutely critical it is to the safety of hundreds (thousands) of people on a daily basis, but how was anything that was done jeopardizing anyone?
The kid cleared a jet for takeoff. Undoubtedly, the child’s father had told him what to say and was sitting there ensuring nothing went wrong. As kids, i’m sure most of us fantasized about being able to do our dream job, and if we were ever given the opportunity, took it extremely seriously, had a great time with it, and felt very accomplished when it was over. I sure did. These kids weren’t running around giving bs transmissions to pilots. Who cares if it is the voice of an ATC veteran, tom brokaw, alvin and the chipmunks, or a kid? As long as the proper information is relayed, that is what matters.
Would this be appropriate if it happened on 9/11? Absolutely not. Was anyone endangered? No. What is the big deal?
I really don’t even understand how anyone could get so upset about this, especially knowing that it was in a very controlled and supervised environment. FCC, NATC, we understand that you’re important, but stop taking yourselves so seriously. It only makes you appear entirely incapable of adapting to anything ever. Maybe if your controllers worked in a less hostile environment, they’d hate their jobs less and stop falling asleep behind the desk….