In a surprising turn of events, air traffic controllers in Bogota, Colombia, are facing serious scrutiny after a video surfaced showing a teenage boy giving aircraft clearances from their control tower. The young enthusiast spent nearly an hour in the tower, reportedly communicating with up to 20 aircraft during his visit. This incident has raised significant safety concerns, as aviation is an industry where safety is paramount, and strict protocols are in place to ensure the safe navigation of planes. As a result, the controllers involved have been suspended pending further investigation.
One of the aircraft involved was a Wamos Air Airbus A330-300, which was operating an Avianca flight from Bogota to Buenos Aires. Despite the unusual circumstances, the flight departed safely and even arrived in Buenos Aires ahead of schedule. However, this incident has not been taken lightly by Colombian aviation authorities. Aerocivil, the country’s aviation regulator, expressed that this breach of protocol is a serious violation of trust and does not reflect the professionalism of the majority of air traffic controllers who adhere to strict regulations.
The teenager’s father explained that the visit was intended to provide his son with hands-on experience in an air traffic control environment, potentially aiding his future career aspirations. However, the situation escalated when the boy posted a video online, catching the attention of authorities. As a result, Aerocivil has suspended the licenses of the controllers involved and is conducting an investigation. They are also considering referring the case to the Attorney General to determine if any criminal charges are warranted. Fortunately, no operational disruptions occurred, but this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols in aviation.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
