GAO Report Gets Some Action; But, To Whom Will He Report?

ANN told you about a recent GAO report that pointed out the FAA's organization was suffering because of a lack of a key officer, the AIR-21-mandated Chief Operating Officer. One reason the GAO understood was a problem in recruiting someone for that position, was that the lines of authority to and from that position had not been established. That led to confusion and paralysis. Under heat from Congress (and also technically breaking the law), Secretary Mineta has now made sure that position will be filled. Interestingly, the official press release from the DoT does not explain reporting relationships.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta just announced that Russell G. Chew has been selected to serve as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Department of the FAA.

Chew will play a key role in Secretary Mineta and FAA Administrator Marion Blakey's plans to shape the FAA into a more business-like organization that operates to strict performance measures. As COO, Chew will oversee the operational and financial performance of the air traffic control system and the FAA's research and acquisition programs. Chew is scheduled to start his new position on Aug. 1, 2003.

"Establishing the COO position is an important step forward in managing an air traffic control system that is not only the safest, but is also a model of efficiency and cost effectiveness," said Secretary Mineta. "Taxpayers rightly expect results and accountability in operating our nation's transportation infrastructure, and I am confident that Russ is the right person to help accomplish this in aviation."

Chew comes to the FAA with nearly two decades of broad aviation industry experience at American Airlines, where he served as a line-qualified captain, managing director of the airline's strategic operations planning, and as manager of technical flight operations and systems support technologies. In his latest position as managing director of system operations control, Chew has been responsible for directing the airline's day-to-day operations at American's central control center.

"Filling the COO position has been one of my top priorities, and we're pleased to have a person of Russ' caliber join the FAA," said Administrator Blakey. "His strong experience at the strategic and operations level will help advance our performance within the air traffic control system."

The COO position has its roots in Secretary Mineta's leadership of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission of 1997. Among the Commission's recommendations was the creation of a performance-based organization for the nation's air traffic control system, with operational and financial issues managed by a COO. The Commission's recommendation was put into law in the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21) enacted in 2000.

"This is an exciting opportunity to work with the FAA team and industry to bring even greater benefits to the flying public," said Chew. "I'm honored by Secretary Mineta and Administrator Blakey's confidence and I look forward to taking on this important role."

Chew has served on many aviation industry committees in support of national airspace modernization and is currently vice chairman of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics' Free Flight Steering Committee. He also serves on the board of directors of Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC,) and is chairman of ATN Systems, Inc. He attended Stanford University for his undergraduate studies and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

FMI: www.faa.gov