It should be obvious to all that whatever the unique style of jfk ATC, how an A380 got into this position is hardly their fault. Over complicated pseudo rocket science procedures promulgated by not as clever as they think trainers / checkers, debilitating rosters, time zone changes, inadequate rest facilities and of course the oft quoted ‘culture’ where normal mistakes result in ludicrous and punitive diciplinary measures. Quite pathetic how it has come to this. My view: the vast majority of ek pilots are a good or above standard, badly let down by the system from all angles. There is patently no honest and just safety culture and the wrong people perpetuate this nonsense. Oh and as an aside, the sister outfit over the road killed 70 plus people but still no explanation.