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The FAA may soon have a permanent leader for the first time in over one year with Senate committee approval of President Biden's second nominee, Michael Whitaker, on Wednesday. Whitaker was the former deputy FAA administrator and a United Airlines exec, nominated on Sept. 7. He achieved praise from both parties and brings the necessary expertise to the job at a crucial time in aviation. Whitaker will still need a confirmation vote by the full Senate before he can fully lead the agency. Whitaker was endorsed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and unlike the previous nominee, was not met with criticism from Republican leaders. He will be the first permanent administrator since Steve Dickson stepped down in March 2022. He served in his previous role as deputy FAA administrator from 2013-2016. He is currently the COO at Supernal, an advanced air mobility subsidiary of Hyundai, and has held the role there since 2020. He is an attorney and private pilot and will bring his knowledge of the aviation world and national airspace to the agency.RELATED STORIES:FAA nominee testifies at Senate confirmation hearingNBAA, coalition urge Senate to quickly confirm FAA nomineePresident names former official as new FAA nomineeWithout the opposition the former nominee Phil Washington faced from the Republicans, his path to leadership appears to be clear. Washington was scrutinized for his lack of aviation and leadership experience and ultimately removed himself from the confirmation process in March. His major critic, Senator Ted Cruz, actually voiced his support of Whitaker and praised the nomination choice for the significant aviation experience. He emphasized that the FAA is not a political organization and that politics must be kept out of the agency, backing the nominee and emphasizing the urgent need for a leader to rebuild the FAA and lend stability to the industry.
Without a permanent leader, the FAA has seen multiple acting leaders. Billy Nolen led the FAA until he stepped down in the summer and Polly Trottenberg from the Department of Transportation took over but will be forced to step down on Oct. 25 due to specific laws governing presidential nominees. The FAA authorization was set to expire on Sept. 30 and the Reauthorization bill was passed with overwhelming support but due to disagreement within the government and the threat of a shutdown, authorization was granted a temporary extension through Dec. 31 while representatives work to reach a definitive agreement over funding and spending.RELATED STORIES:Short-term funding bill extends FAA authorizationHouse passes FAA reauthorization bill with overwhelming support The NBAA has welcomed the vote and the possible future confirmation of Whitaker by the full Senate
"Throughout his career, Mike Whitaker has repeatedly proven himself as a leader who champions safety and innovation," NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. "We enthusiastically welcome the approval by the committee and fully support his confirmation by the full Senate as FAA administrator."
With committee approval, Whitaker moves on to the final stage in the approval process. If confirmed, he will become the first permanent FAA Administrator in over 18 months.