Trump’s New Pick to Face Extreme Shortages and Outdated Systems

Current Federal Aviation Administration chief Mike Whitaker recently announced that he will be stepping down before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. This decision comes at possibly the worst (or best) time to choose a replacement, as the industry fights through its technological turmoil.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker took office in October 2023 just as troubles with mega manufacturer Boeing began to take shape. The agency was also facing increased rates of near collisions and struggling to fill holes in the air traffic controller workforce. Whitaker was previously an FAA deputy administrator and executive for Supernal and United Airlines, so his nomination got nearly no pushback from lawmakers.

Under Whitaker’s leadership, the number of near collisions saw an impressive drop. However, other issues quickly arose as post-covid traffic surged. This is most clearly seen in the overworked, short-staffed, and improperly maintained air traffic control sector. Whitaker has pushed for solutions to this while simultaneously guiding further oversight for problematic companies, like Boeing.

Whitaker has put Boeing on the stand ever since a part of a 737 MAX door blew off mid-air in January. While no injuries were reported, it led the FAA to open several investigations, many of which remain unfinished.

The FAA Administrator has now confirmed his resignation from a job he calls the “honor of a lifetime.”

“The United States is the safest and most complex airspace in the world, and that is because of your commitment to the safety of the flying public,” Whitaker stated in a letter to his workforce. “This has been the best and most challenging job of my career.”

Though this wasn’t a completely shocking decision, many are disappointed that Whitaker won’t remain in his position anywhere close to the five-year expectation. Still, what has drawn more concern is who President-elect Donald Trump will select to fill the role.

“The next administrator needs to be ready day one to continue the job of restoring the FAA’s safety culture and providing real oversight of the aviation sector,” noted Sen. Maria Cantwell, the current Commerce chair.

FMI: www.faa.gov