The Senate Thursday confirmed Randolph Babbitt to sit at the helm of the Federal Aviation Administration. Babbitt, a former president of the Air Line Pilots Association and an aviation consultant, now faces the immediately popular concerns of pilot training scheduling and fatigue, along with the enduring problems of labor relations (particularly those between the FAA and the air traffic controllers union) as well as air traffic control modernization. Among early congratulatory notes, the Air Transport Association (ATA) “heartily” congratulated Babbitt. “With the right leadership, we know we can begin to see real benefits from NowGen/NextGen within a few years,” said ATA president James C. May.
New FAA Administrator — Babbitt Confirmed
Key Takeaways:
- Randolph Babbitt has been confirmed by the Senate as the new head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Babbitt, a former president of the Air Line Pilots Association, brings experience as an aviation consultant to the role.
- His immediate challenges include addressing pilot training schedules, fatigue, improving labor relations (especially with air traffic controllers), and advancing air traffic control modernization (NextGen).
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