The Biden administration has nominated Mike Whitaker to be FAA Administrator.
Following months of speculation – Whitaker was first mentioned as a candidate in May – FAA veteran Mike Whitaker has been named because the nominee for the FAA’s top position. Whitaker is the Biden administrations second nominee: Denver Airport CEO Phil Washington withdrew his nomination amidst criticism of his aviation experience. The position of FAA Administrator should be confirmed by the Senate.
Whitaker served as deputy administrator of the FAA from 2013 to 2016, where he led the NextGen air traffic control modernization program. Whitaker has deep experience within the manned aircraft industry, serving as the pinnacle of international and regulatory affairs for United Airlines for greater than 15 years. Recently, Whitaker has joined the advanced aviation industry: he’s currently the COO of Hyundai’s air mobility arm, Supernal.
The nomination is welcome news. The FAA has not had a everlasting leader since former Administrator Steve Dickson left the job midway through his 5 yr appointment. Since then, Acting Administrator Billy Nolen left the FAA to take a job at advanced air mobility company Archer Aviation: current Acting Administrator Polly Trottenberg’s tenure will expire by law next month.
For the drone industry, the nomination may provide a frontrunner capable of move integration of uncrewed systems forward. Drone industry advocacy group AUVSI has praised the nomination:
“At this critical moment when our national airspace system is becoming increasingly complex, Mike Whitaker is an exceptionally qualified alternative to make sure the U.S. stays the aviation safety gold standard, manage the Agency and its 45,000 employees and enhance U.S. global aviation competitiveness.
During his prior service as FAA Deputy Administrator and Chief NextGen officer, Whitaker proved himself a highly capable and productive federal official. We urge the U.S. Senate to start Whitaker’s confirmation hearing at once and to maneuver toward a rapid confirmation.
AUVSI looks forward to working with Whitaker and Deputy Administrator Katie Thomson to boost airspace safety while supporting the mixing of uncrewed systems into the airspace. Doing so will bring significant workforce, economic and environmental advantages to American communities.”
The Business Drone Alliance also praised the nomination:
The Business Drone Alliance supports the Biden-Harris White House’s nomination of Michael Whitaker because the next FAA Administrator. With a deep background in advanced aviation and having served as Deputy Administrator of the FAA from 2013 to 2016, Mr. Whitaker is eminently qualified to steer the agency.
The hardworking professionals on the FAA deserve the continuity and consistency of a Senate-confirmed leader, particularly at this critical and exciting time for advanced aviation. Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), for instance, are already enhancing lives in communities all over the world. The protection, security, efficiency, sustainability, and equity advantages of business drones are significant, yet the U.S. lags behind other countries in developing policy to unlock this useful technology.
“We’re grateful to see Mike Whitaker’s nomination sent to the Hill, and we urge his swift confirmation by the Senate,” said Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the Business Drone Alliance. “The business drone industry can offer many societal advantages, but provided that policy keeps up with technology. We’re counting on Mike Whitaker’s leadership to spur motion on long-awaited regulatory items reminiscent of beyond visual line of sight and expanded drone operations, which is able to ultimately usher in the subsequent era of advanced aviation.”
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