Several Large Associations Urge Quick Confirmation

Though he had not been on the short list of very many aviation organizations, several have publicly announced their support for the nomination of Michael Huerta to be the next administrator of the FAA. President Obama announced Huerta as his choice for the post Tuesday.

"We welcome President Obama's nomination of Michael Huerta to be the FAA administrator. Michael is a proven leader and a very strong advocate for the FAA who is extremely capable of taking on the challenges of the agency over the long term," the Aerospace Industries Association said in a statement. "He understands the importance of seeing that the Next Generation Air Transportation System gets up and running and understands more than most how its enormous benefits outweigh short-term hurdles. There are many critical aviation issues in the United States and abroad that will require a firm hand. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm Michael Huerta to provide much-needed stability for the nation's air transportation system."

"In his work at the FAA, Michael Huerta has demonstrated strong leadership and a solid understanding of the industry's priorities, including the need for continued transformation to a Next Generation Air Traffic Control System, which will produce safety and efficiency gains in America's aviation system," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "We urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm his nomination as FAA Administrator." 

“Given the importance of aviation to the U.S. economy, in particular the 490 commercial airports in this country that are responsible for 8 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 7 percent of U.S. jobs, an administrator with a five-year term provides stability for the agency, said Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato. “With the passage in February of a new FAA Reauthorization bill, it is important to have an administrator in place to lead the agency and the aviation community through the changes ahead, including the modernization of our nation’s air traffic control system. Acting Administrator Huerta has been an excellent steward of the FAA these past few months, and I hope the Senate will consider his nomination as expeditiously as possible.”

"While somewhat surprised at the swiftness of the nomination, we appreciate the fact that the Obama administration recognizes the need to name a new FAA administrator now rather than later," said Paula Derks, AEA president. "There are too many challenging issues in the immediate future, including NextGen implementation and the UAV mandate in 2015, to delay appointing a permanent administrator to lead the agency."

"Michael Huerta's proven leadership and clear grasp of the imperatives of NextGen make him an outstanding choice at this important time to further drive safety and improved efficiency of our nation's airspace," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. "The aviation industry is one of the highest contributors to our nation's economy and workforce, and we urge the Senate to move swiftly on a nomination so important to the traveling public."

FMI: www.faa.gov