From the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), aviation organizations have expressed support for the nomination of Phillip A. Washington to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
AUVSI, President and CEO Brian Wynne said the organization welcomes the news that the White House intends to make a nomination to fill the vacancy in this critical leadership position. “We urge the U.S. Senate to avoid delays in holding a vote and to swiftly restore Congressionally confirmed leadership to the agency.”
He noted that they look forward to working with the new Administrator to continue positive trends that the drone and advanced air mobility (AAM) industry and government stakeholders have built in recent years to support consensus-based standards, the highest levels of airspace safety, and U.S. leadership in innovation.
NATCA said It is critical that the FAA have a confirmed administrator to lead the Agency through this complicated time for aviation. The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the aviation industry as demand for passenger air travel cratered, leaving the Airport and Airway Trust Fund in a precarious position.
NATCA President Rich Santa said, “NATCA looks forward to working with Mr. Washington to address the FAA’s challenges, from staffing and training to modernization of technology and infrastructure, to the integration of new users into the NAS.”
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the nomination of Washington to be the next leader of the FAA, noting the value of having a confirmed administrator for providing consistent leadership at the agency.
“We’re pleased the administration has moved expeditiously to offer a nominee for FAA administrator,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The U.S. has the world’s largest, safest and most efficient aviation system, and it’s important for us to have stability at the FAA to navigate current challenges and provide strong and innovative leadership to meet the opportunities of the future. We look forward to working with Phil Washington upon his confirmation.”
Washington has served as CEO of Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado’s largest commercial airport and the country’s third-largest airport by passenger count, since July 2021. In 2009, Washington was named CEO of the Denver Regional Transportation District after serving as the public transportation service’s assistant general manager since 1999.
He later led the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) from March 2015 to May 2021, overseeing an agency of 11,000 employees charged with transporting 1.2 million boarding bus and rail passengers daily.
Under Washington’s leadership, in 2021 Metro was named to the DiversityInc Top 50 Employer competition for the first time in the agency’s history. He has also been honored with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Eddy Award for outstanding leadership in economic development and the Coro Crystal Eagle Award for leadership.
The TWU Supports Phil Washington to Lead the FAA
In a statement from the TWU, the largest airline union in the U.S. said they strongly supports Phil Washington to lead the FAA. Washington’s nomination demonstrates, yet again, that President Biden is committed to appointing leaders who have the faith and trust of working people. We appreciate Captain Billy Nolan’s leadership during his time as interim FAA Administrator.
The TWU statement went on to say that the FAA is facing massive problems in the air system – many of which have been ignored by previous administrators for years. Airlines, manufacturers, and repair stations treat the agency like their fiefdom rather than their regulator. There are dozens of overdue Congressional mandates awaiting rulemakings. And the entire airline industry is losing workers to other careers with fewer assaults and better pay and benefits from day one on the job.
Phil Washington has a long history of working with unions to improve our transportation systems. He has been one of the strongest voices for creating and sustaining high-quality jobs with government investment – including when transitioning to new technologies. Washington is the leader we need to raise safety standards on aircraft maintenance, eliminate worker assaults onboard aircraft and at airports, and responsibly integrate uncrewed vehicles and new air mobility business models into our skies.
At the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Vice President of Regulatory Affairs John McGraw said they remain vigilant in listening to its members and identifying their unique needs. “As the voice of FBOs, MROs, and air charter operators, NATA will continue to keep the lines of communication open with FAA leadership on key priorities and issues, such as creating a pipeline of talented aviation professionals, improving the Part 135 certification process, advancing efforts to end illegal charter activities, and implementing effective safety and risk management programs, such as SMS.”
NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts said, “NATA is committed to working collaboratively with Phillip Washington on programs and solutions that enhance aviation safety, protect access to essential air transportation, and strengthen aviation businesses across the nation.”
