Randy Babbitt Said To Be Favored By Garvey

The naming of a new FAA Administrator by the Obama administration was once thought to be a formality for former pilot union president Duane Woerth. Then, longtime Senate aide Robert Herbert came highly recommended by his boss, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Now, the Wall Street Journal reports the administration has the FBI vetting Randy Babbitt, an aviation consultant and also a former head of the Air Line Pilots Association.

The Journal quotes "people familiar with the matter" in reporting that former FAA chief Jane Garvey is in line to get the number-two job at the Department of Transportation, and wants Babbitt at the FAA.

While all three candidates are accomplished aviators and appear otherwise qualified, union old-timers remember Babbitt for his role in battling management at Eastern Airlines back in the day, and industry insiders say he has more support than Woerth.

DOT chief Ray LaHood reportedly told FAA officials he wasn't satisfied with a choice between Woerth and Herbert. LaHood told Senators during his confirmation hearing that settling the chronic conflict between the FAA and the unions representing its employees would be an early priority.

Given recent turmoil regarding executive appointments in the Obama administration... let's hope Babbitt is current on his taxes.

FMI: www.faa.gov