Former FAA Chiefs Advocate Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Air Travel

Two former leaders of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Steve Dickson and Randy Babbitt, have joined forces to urge the federal government to work more closely with the aviation industry to enhance the travel experience for all passengers. In an essay published by The Hill, they argue that the FAA’s role as a collaborative partner has been diminished in recent years, leading to more regulations, delays, and frustrations.

Dickson and Babbitt, who both have extensive backgrounds as pilots and executives, say that the FAA should restore its trust and respect for the airlines, which have proven their commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service. They say that the FAA should empower the airlines to go above and beyond for their customers, rather than imposing rigid and outdated rules that stifle their creativity and flexibility.

They cite several examples of how the FAA’s excessive oversight has harmed the industry and the passengers, such as the prolonged grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, the slow approval of new technologies and procedures, and the lack of coordination with other agencies and stakeholders. They also point out the challenges that the industry faces due to the pandemic, such as the recovery of demand, the shortage of workers, and the rise of unruly passengers.

Dickson and Babbitt say that it is time to reverse course and re-invigorate the FAA’s role as a collaborative partner. They say that this would benefit not only the airlines and their employees, but also the passengers and the public. They say that this would create a more efficient, reliable, and enjoyable air travel system for everyone.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, FAA.gov