AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey Comments On FAA Administrator Nomination

It seems that former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey is anxious to see someone take over her old job... officially, that is. Blakey, late last week, issued the following statement:

"I am concerned that Congress adjourned without holding a hearing on the nomination of acting Administrator Robert A. Sturgell to become the next FAA administrator. He is superbly qualified for the position and I urge Congress to move forward with hearings next year at its earliest opportunity.

A decade ago, Congress established the FAA administrator position with a five-year term to provide the stability and continuity necessary for an agency that is focused on safety and complicated operation responsibilities.

Since then, both administrators have served full five-year terms, major modernization programs are on schedule and budget and the nation's skies have never been safer.

It is critical for the continued smooth operation of our nation's air transportation system to have a person confirmed and appointed for a five-year term as soon as possible."

AIA, Blakey's current gig, was founded in 1919, as the Aerospace Industries Association. It represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org/