FAA Administrator Will Not Be Attending The Show

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will not be attending Oshkosh this year. And while he had a previous family engagement made months in advance, it is at the very least unfortunate timing given the ultimatum handed to EAA over air traffic control services for the show.

EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski told ANN that Administrator Huerta had notified EAA Chairman Jack Pelton months ago that he would be attending an international Boy Scouting event with his son this week. His absence means that EAA members will not have an opportunity to directly ask questions of the Administrator, which would normally occur during an annual "meet the administrator" session held at the show.

Knapinski said that there would be several legislators in attendance, including Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI), who represents the district that includes Wittman Regional Airport. Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) is also likely to be at the show late in the week.

Knapinski said that NTSB chair Deborah A.P. Hersman was also not planning to make the trip to Wisconsin this year. However, NTSB Member Earl Weener will be holding a "Meet the NTSB" session on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. CDT in Pavilion 7. The NTSB will also do a series of daily morning safety programs at the Federal Pavilion. The sessions count towards FAA WINGS credit.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.ntsb.gov