NATA Notes New Priority On Resolving FAA/NATCA Conflict

We may soon witness a return to civility between the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, with Thursday's confirmation of former Illinois congressman Ray LaHood as the next secretary of the US Department of Transportation.

That's a sentiment expressed by the National Air Transportation Association, which noted that during his confirmation hearing before the US Senate LaHood highlighted ways in which the department will distinguish itself from its predecessor. LaHood pointedly added he planned to select an FAA administrator who will resolve a stalemate between the agency and the air traffic controllers union over labor costs... a marked departure from the previous Blakey and Sturgell regimes.

"President Obama has made an excellent choice in selecting Representative LaHood as the next secretary of transportation," said NATA President James K. Coyne. "The Congressman has been a long-standing advocate for general aviation during his tenure in Congress, and we look forward to working with him on critical issues facing the industry."

That apparent focus and resolve were also heralded by the National Business Aviation Association, which recalled LaHood earned a reputation in Congress as a bipartisan advocate for transportation interests.

"We congratulate Secretary LaHood, and we look forward to working with him on our industry's highest priorities," said NBAA President Ed Bolen. "We have reached out to the secretary, and we are confident that he and his staff will be eager to hear our ideas about aviation system modernization and other industry concerns."

As ANN reported, LaHood received a unanimous confirmation vote Thursday. He was nominated in December to serve as transportation secretary by then President-elect Obama.

FMI: www.nata.aero, www.nbaa.org, www.dot.gov