Will Remain In Current Post Throughout Storm Season

Aero-News has learned Mike Cirillo, currently vice-president of system operations for the Air Traffic Organization, will soon move on to a new position within the FAA.

The FAA reports Cirillo has been named the new administrator for the Alaskan Region. He will remain with the ATO throughout the upcoming severe weather season, before moving on to his new post.

"I very much look forward to a new opportunity and to learn new things, and experience the FAA from a different perspective," he said.

In his current role, Cirillo is responsible for coordinating traffic flow for day-to-day en route, and terminal, operations. He made waves last year when he -- along with Nicholas Sabatini, Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety -- agreed with GA leaders before the Senate Aviation Commerce Committee on the impact of very-light-jets on the national air traffic control system.

Both men told the committee the FAA has the capability to safely introduce all aircraft into the system, no matter the size, speed or performance -- in direct opposition to claims of congestion by the airlines.

"Major airports will not be inundated with VLJs," Cirillo told the commitee, as ANN reported.

In his new role, Cirillo will replace Robert Lewis, who has been the acting Alaska regional administrator since Patrick Poe retired from the agency last summer.

FMI: www.faa.gov