Fri, May 11, 2012
Arrest Let To FAA Chief's Resignation
The DUI charges which led to the resignation of former FAA administrator Randy Babbitt have been dropped by a Fairfax City, VA, judge.
Babbitt had been observed allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road, which led to the traffic stop last year. But the Associated Press reports that the judge determined that video of the stop showed that Babbitt was turning into a parking lot, not driving against traffic.
Babbitt had initially been placed on administrative leave from the agency, but tendered his resignation to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. At the time, the agency was promoting a major driving safety campaign.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that General District Judge Ian O'Flaherty dismissed the case before prosecutors could present any evidence. He called the traffic stop a "hunch" on the part of the arresting officer. Babbitt's attorney said that Babbitt had tested just below the legal limit for a DUI on the first breath test, and that police are not permitted to continue testing looking for different results.
Prosecutors reportedly protested the judges decision, saying the officer had a legitimate reason to pull Babbitt over because of the way the turn was executed and that the failed to use a turn signal.
Babbitt had been appointed by President Obama to the top post at the FAA in 2009. At the time, he was hailed as a former airline pilot and union rep who understood the industry. He was replaced at the agency by long-time bureaucrat Michael Huerta, who was nominated to the post in March of this year but has not yet been confirmed by the Senate.
More News
Hold Procedure A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during ground operatio>[...]
Altitude Readout An aircraft’s altitude, transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is visually displayed in 100-foot increments on a radar scope having readout cap>[...]
Aero Linx: European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU) The general aim of the EHPU is to promote and protect hang gliding and paragliding in Europe. In order to achieve this>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
"The need for innovation at speed and scale is greater than ever. The X-62A VISTA is a crucial platform in our efforts to develop, test and integrate AI, as well as to establish AI>[...]