Alpha, Bravo, Charlie… how fast can you recite the entire phonetic alphabet? Seven seconds, maybe? How about saying it backwards in just 11 seconds? Two young brothers managed to do just that recently. They turned heads at a careers expo with an incredible knowledge of air traffic control for their age.
Joshua, 12 at the time (now 13), and Caleb (11), quickly drew attention when they took part in a challenge at Airways’ stand at the NZ Careers Expo in May. During the challenge they were to recite the phonetic alphabet as fast as possible. “The top time to beat was about 17 seconds; the average was 20-25 seconds,” says Mal McGrath, Team Leader Christchurch Terminal. “Joshua’s time was about 7 seconds while Caleb’s was 11 seconds. Joshua then did it backwards in 11 seconds,” he says, in awe of the boys’ exceptional knowledge and recall.
The two boys are home schooled, and as part of this they’re given the freedom to explore their interests – both choosing to learn about air traffic control. In their spare time, they tune in to Christchurch Tower using a radio gifted by their dad to support their learning. They’ve immersed themselves in maps, charts and procedures with a level of dedication that would impress even seasoned professionals.
Their mother, Amy Jones, said the boys’ interest in ATC began last February when they received the radio. “They were particularly excited when they visited Christchurch Tower last year and saw all those airplanes arriving and departing physically under ATC instructions,” she explained. Joshua and Caleb have aspirations of becoming air traffic controllers one day, Amy says.
Amazed by their extensive ATC knowledge, understanding and passion, Mal invited the brothers to Airways. Shem Love, Simulator Team Leader (Towers), welcomed them into the TotalControl Tower simulator. “We regularly have visitors to the simulator and have varying degrees of interaction with the visitors depending on their experience, interest and ability. I quickly realised that this was going to be different. The boys started rattling off the names of every runway, taxiway and holding point without hesitation or reference to any maps,” Shem explained.
When Mal asked if they had any questions for a Christchurch Terminal controller, Joshua didn’t hesitate. “Mal, when you clear an aircraft to intercept the localiser approach Runway 02, why do you tell them to maintain 4000 feet? Is it because of the airspace restrictions?” The answer, of course, was yes, Mal said.
Shem then handed Joshua the handset and asked him to deliver a basic instruction. What followed was a series of clearances and commands. These commands were delivered with near-perfect phraseology and a situational understanding of how each instruction would affect the next.
“I turned around to see the whole room of sim pilots behind me with jaws dropped in disbelief”, Shem said.
“Without any strips, maps or briefing, these two young aviator enthusiasts orchestrated the entire traffic picture in front of them. They kept track of aircraft types and names, knew exactly where each should park, and how they should get there. As the simulation progressed, they didn’t just follow instructions, they actively managed traffic, resolving ATC conflictions. Using real-world techniques like extending downwind, initiating orbits, and even using a crossing runway to solve an issue,” Shem added.
At such a young age, Joshua and Caleb demonstrated a level of understanding that many others spend years developing. Their story is a powerful reminder of what curiosity and passion can achieve. We are thrilled to be welcoming them back soon for another sim run and more demonstrations.
If this is what they’re capable of now, we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!
