Babbitt Confirmed as New FAA Administrator

Randolph Babbitt has been confirmed by the Senate as the next FAA Administrator, much to the delight of the Airline Pilots Association.  Babbitt was the former president of the ALPA and an aviation consultant.

He faces a number of issues including pilot training, scheduling and fatigue as well as the continuing tensions between the FAA and the Air Traffic Controllers union.  Recent accidents have raised concerns by the public over the training of commuter pilots and safety is an area Babbitt is very familiar with.

However, he is well known within the FAA having served on a number of commissions and advisory councils, and was appointed to evaluate the FAA’s approach to safety.  That effort resulted in recommendations to improve FAA safety culture and was generally well received within the FAA.

One thing he won’t have to worry about, at least initially, is funding for the aviation system. Once again User Fees are not a part of the funding plan, and the increased fuel tax will help bring NextGen into existence.  Senator Hutchison said that  “This is also going to be a critical year for aviation policy and NextGen implementation should be one of your highest priorities.” in remarks to the new FAA Administrator.

Until next time keep your wings straight and level Hersch!

JetAviator7

The “airport” was a tan stripe
in a field of grass;

I remember pilot that trip
when you flew low for me
so I could see how the cornfields
were laid out -

Do you remember pilot my friend
how we skimmed the yellow miles
on the wings of an afternoon,

You shouting to me in the sun
—isn’t it peaceful here
—isn’t it peaceful here?

— E. F. Weisslitz

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