Forget how cute and official the air traffic controller's children sounded: An internal memo calls their stints "unauthorized and unprofessional. CNN reports that the JFK Airport facilities manager for air traffic control learned of the mid-February incidents and issued a memo a week later, "The display of professionalism in the past by the control personnel at this facility has been exemplary. However, a lapse in judgment for what may seem a minor transgression diminishes our credibility and slights the high standards of professionalism." How prescient!
Air traffic controller Glenn Duffy and his supervisor on February 16—the day Duffy brought in his son— Shawn Simms were both suspended with pay while the FAA investigates. The Post notes that Duffy's February 17 supervisor Dana Rose Kelly is still working, even though that was the day Duffy's daughter relayed instructions. Also worth noting: The kids feel guilty!
Pilots have come to Duffy's defense: A Delta pilot was heard saying to a JFK controller on Thursday, "Thoughts going out to your co-worker there. I think it's BS what he's going through," while other pilots have been saying, "Adios," a reference to how Duffy's son told pilots "adios."
