Who Will Succeed Marion Blakey?

The Lieutenant Governor of Vermont is reportedly among the candidates to succeed Marion Blakey as FAA Administrator when she steps down Thursday, according to industry sources.

The Brattleboro (VT) Reformer reports Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie -- a captain with American Airlines, and a former military pilot -- is in the running for the top post at the FAA.

"It's an unexpected honor just to be considered for the FAA Administrator's job at this pivotal point in the direction of our nation's air travel system performance and infrastructure," Dubie (right) said, adding his work as chairman of the Aerospace States Association -- as well as his efforts towards the launch of the Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association -- likely put his name in the running to succeed Blakey.

The current Administrator steps down September 13.

This isn't the first time Dubie has been considered for a high-level job. In 2005, he was among top contenders for the US Ambassador to the Council of Civil Aviation Organization to the United Nations.

Dubie is not a shoe-in, however. Former FAA Deputy Administrator Barbara Barrett is another candidate for the job, and many believe she is the odds-on favorite for the post. Dubie himself notes he is "fully engaged as Vermont's Lt. Governor."

Commenting on his chances, Dubie said he "can't speculate on where the FAA will go with this appointment" but that he is "watching with interest for what it will mean to Vermont -- to the safety, quality and cost of air transportation for all Vermonters and the continued viability of our 18 great state, municipal and private airports."

FMI: www.briandubie.com, www.faa.gov