Ending weeks of speculation, President Biden on September 7, 2023, submitted Michael Whitaker as his nominee to become the 19th confirmed Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. If confirmed, he would be the first non-acting head of the agency since Steve Dickson resigned on March 31, 2002. Since then, the position has been filled by acting administrators Billy Nolen and, currently, by Polly Trottenberg, who has been in the acting slot since June.
The nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate for confirmation and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the committee, said, “From building a well-trained workforce to addressing critical safety concerns to modernizing the national airspace system, there is no shortage of issues before the FAA. Mr. Whitaker will use his substantial aviation experience and knowledge to meet these challenges. I look forward to working with him and his strong leadership at the agency.” The committee had not yet scheduled a hearing on Whitaker’s nomination at this writing.
Whitaker presently serves the chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle, according to the White House. Supernal’s to-be-developed entry into the advanced air mobility “sweepstakes” is slated to enter service in 2028, use a battery to power electric motors and seat four to five passengers, according to the company.
In addition to holding a private pilot certificate, he earned a law degree at the Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting aviation safety throughout the world. His airline background includes service as Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, an India-based travel conglomerate and operator of airline IndiGo, overseeing strategy and operations of four affiliated companies. His time at United Airlines spanned 15 years in a variety of roles, including director, vice president and senior vice president. Whitaker’s airline career began as assistant general counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA).
Major Sports Leagues Oppose Stadium TFR Rollback
A provision in a version of the FAA reauthorization legislation wending its way through Congress is drawing opposition from the National Football League, Major League Baseball, NASCAR and the NCAA. The provision is part of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 20, 2013, and is pending before the U.S. Senate. The so-called stadium TFRs—temporary flight restrictions—were enacted by Congress in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. According to the sports leagues, the existing TFRs “protect the safety and security of millions of fans who attend large stadium sporting events every year.”
U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Sen. Cantwell’s counterpart, supports rolling back the stadium TFRs, saying, “It’s simply wrong to suggest that existing flight restrictions have any connection to preventing terrorism.” Under his proposal, TFR waivers would be issued on a case-by-case basis in concert with the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Justice.
