National aviation associations reacted to the Biden administration’s naming of two proven leaders to fill top positions at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg will serve as acting FAA administrator, replacing Billy Nolen, who announced his intention to step down from the position earlier this year. Kathryn “Katie” Thomson will serve as the FAA’s deputy administrator, replacing Brad Mims, who is assuming a new, senior role at the DOT as head of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
The announcements come as Congress considers the next multi-year FAA reauthorization bill. The reauthorization debate is taking place amidst an extraordinary pace of change for the agency and industry, as sweeping new technologies are nearing certification, aviation safety remains a top priority and a new generation of aviation professionals will be needed in the decades to come.
National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen noted that the presence of Trottenberg and Thomson is especially welcome as the industry awaits the nomination of a permanent administrator for the agency.
“It is extremely important for the FAA to have proven leaders stepping into the roles of acting FAA administrator and deputy FAA administrator,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As Billy Nolen departs for the private sector, and Brad Mims assumes a new, key role at DOT, Polly Trottenberg and Katie Thomson will be excellent in those positions.”
NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna said, “With both the Senate and House slated to mark up their respective FAA Reauthorization bills next week, proven leadership at the FAA is both timely and welcome and we applaud the Biden Administration for taking action. Trottenberg and Thomson’s years of experience at the DOT will provide stability as the spotlight continues to shine on aviation in the coming months. NATA looks forward to fulfilling its mission as an educator and safety advocate for aviation businesses in advancing these discussions.”
NBAA’s Bolen also underlined the need for a confirmed administrator to lead the FAA. “The U.S. has the world’s largest, safest and most efficient aviation system, and it’s important the administration provide stability at the agency by making a timely FAA administrator nomination,” he said.
Trottenberg has served for more than two decades in a public-sector career, including in several top positions at various levels of government. She served from 2014 – 2020 as transportation commissioner for New York City, managing a large agency that oversees the city’s roadways, as well as its maritime, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and preparedness for emerging transportation technologies. Trottenberg served in the Obama administration as assistant secretary and undersecretary for policy at the DOT, overseeing a portfolio that included roads, railways and aviation.
Thompson has served as FAA chief of staff since February of this year, bringing her longtime expertise in transportation law and managerial experience to the agency. She previously served as DOT general counsel and FAA chief counsel during the Obama administration. In her role at the DOT, she served as director, bipartisan infrastructure law implementation, successfully dedicating more than $600 billion for new and expanded programs across all transportation modes.
Both NBAA and NATA thanked Nolen and Mims for their contributions to aviation. “NATA thanks Billy Nolen for his service as Acting FAA Administrator and wishes him the best. Nolen’s unwavering commitment to continuous safety improvement, meaningful industry collaboration, and workforce recruitment fit for the future has served us all well and sets a solid foundation for those who will follow. We look forward to continued work with the FAA to further his efforts to foster a culture of safety through SMS advancement, unlock the potential of data-sharing in creating a more predictive safety system, and empower the advent of new technologies,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
