The U.S. Senate late Tuesday confirmed Michael Whitaker as the FAA Administrator on a 98-0 vote, giving the agency stable leadership after being led by a series of acting administrators. The unanimous, bipartisan vote indicates Whitaker’s outstanding credentials and knowledge of the aviation community.
“We very much appreciate the Senate’s swift action to confirm Michael Whitaker as FAA Administrator, as it brings long-term stability and leadership to the agency,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “With the administrator’s confirmation complete, Congress can now turn its attention to the urgent matters of FAA authorization and appropriations to provide further stability for the entire spectrum of aviation in our country.”
In his confirmation hearing testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee this month, Whitaker indicated that if confirmed, he would immediately focus on three things: work to not just maintain the safety record but build upon it, build the aviation system of the future, and make the FAA a place of choice of where aviators want to build their careers. Whitaker is also a private pilot and, in response to a question from Sen. Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), stated that he had recently completed BasicMed.
As with past administrators, Whitaker will be invited to participate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2024.
