Queens, NY (GlossyNews) — One of the nation’s largest airports, JKF International, is being shut down temporarily while the FAA investigates allegations of an underground child labor ring being run through the New York location.
This comes less than a week after evidence was found that a veteran air traffic controller had allowed his children to direct planes for him. That news shocked many in the airline industry and prompted a full blown investigation. It was while looking into that case that investigators stumbled upon the supposed child labor ring, FAA investigator Christopher Draper said.
“The air traffic control event was not an isolated incident,” he said. “Through our investigation we have actually uncovered multiple airport employees who brought their children to work and had them doing their jobs.”
According to a press release on the findings of the investigation, these employees included not only other air traffic controllers, but also baggage handlers, airport security, ticket counter attendants and members of the ground crew.
Pilot Chesley Sullenberger, of the Hudson River emergency landing fame, has come forward and admitted he knew of the practice. “I once had my plane taxied onto the runway by a 9 year old kid,” he said. “I thought it was a one time thing and kind of laughed at it. I had no idea it was happening routinely.”
According to the investigation’s findings, it doesn’t end there: in the report, an unnamed source who wished to remain anonymous for fear of losing her stewardess position, is quoted as saying pilots were even participating in the scam.
“I saw a 12 year old land a 747, I swear to god,” said the source. “The pilot said it was alright because the boy had years of video game simulation experience.”
While the findings of this initial investigation are shocking, Draper said this may only be the tip of the iceberg.
“This thing seems like it could’ve been operating on a much larger scale that we are still unaware of. I am talking Kathy Lee Gifford, Chinese labor camp big. On that scale.”
“It’s supposed to be bring your child to work day, not bring them to work for you,” said one concerned parent and airline passanger.
“This is terrible,” said another. “My son can’t even pass his algebra class, and these kids are landin’ freakin’ planes. You got to be shitting me. Where do they go to school?”
The investigation is ongoing, as the FAA looks into whether or not children have historically played a role in the massive delays that are common at JFK. Some investigators believe that the confusion over scheduling of flights and misappropriation of runways for arriving planes may have something to do with children’s ineptitude at time management. Also, another possible factor, says one investigator, is that many of the kids that were working at the famous airport were so young, they couldn’t yet tell time.