The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) was among the associations applauding the swift action recently by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in advancing the nomination of Michael Whitaker to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The nomination will now move to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber.
“NASAO is pleased to see that the Committee has moved quickly from its hearing on Mr. Whitaker to a vote on sending his nomination to the floor said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO. “Mr. Whitaker is a widely respected leader in the aviation industry who can effectively bring his variety of experiences to bear in this position. We hope the full Senate will take up the nomination quickly and provide the aviation industry with the leadership and stability that can only come from a Senate confirmed Administrator.”
Other associations praising the quick action included the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA).
“Throughout his career, Mike Whitaker has repeatedly proven himself as a leader who champions safety and innovation,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We enthusiastically welcome the approval by the committee and fully support his confirmation by the full Senate as FAA administrator.”
Lisa Ellman, CDA Executive Director said the Commercial Drone Alliance is grateful that the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously voted Whitaker out of Committee as the next FAA Administrator. “We urge a swift confirmation by the full Senate. Mr. Whitaker’s leadership will come at a pivotal time as the U.S. looks to fully harness the significant societal benefits of commercial drones and regain its position as a global leader in advanced aviation,” said Ellman. “Mr. Whitaker’s background in advanced aviation positions him to take action on long-overdue regulatory items like enabling beyond visual line of sight drone operations, and we look forward to working together to swiftly and safely advance these initiatives.”
Whitaker is currently the chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle. In this role, Whitaker overseas all commercial and key business operations. Previously, Whitaker served as FAA Deputy Administrator from 2013–2016. There, he brought industry and government together to drive the transition of the nation’s air traffic control system from radar to a satellite-enabled surveillance technology (ABS-B).
President and CEO Brian Wynne said the advanced aviation industry is ready to support the transition to a national airspace system that supports U.S. global aviation leadership, is more technologically advanced, has higher safety standards, and welcomes new entrants. “To meet the challenges and opportunities of this new aviation era, the FAA needs a Senate-confirmed Administrator.”
NASAO sent a letter of support to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. View the full letter here.
