Is it normal? It can be, I don't know the airline or route etc but air traffic controllers can arrange to be in the cockpit for aircrew famil. Whilst it is not necessary to view the whole flight, take off and landing can be good to watch, it gives us an idea of workload so that we don't keep hassling pilots for info when there is an emergency. These visits are arranged well in advance within the new security procedures. During controller training (UK), time was spent with BA learning how an airline operates, two such flights were available during the famil. course.