FAA Chief Mike Whitaker to Step Down January 20
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chief Michael Whitaker announced he will step down on January 20, coinciding with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Whitaker, appointed by President Joe Biden, began his five-year term in October 2023, leaving the agency without a leader at a critical juncture.
During his tenure, Whitaker implemented stricter oversight on Boeing, including production limits, following a near-catastrophic incident involving a Boeing 737 Max door plug in January 2024. His leadership marked heightened scrutiny during a period fraught with safety concerns, including close calls at U.S. airports and the lingering effects of the 737 Max crashes and grounding.
Mark House, the FAA’s assistant administrator for finance and management, will assume the role of acting deputy administrator after Whitaker’s departure.
The FAA has seen frequent leadership changes in recent years. Former FAA chief Steve Dickson, appointed during Trump’s first term, resigned in early 2022. Whitaker’s resignation leaves the agency navigating ongoing challenges, including air traffic controller shortages, which airline executives blame for congestion at major airports.
The incoming FAA administrator will also oversee Boeing’s compliance with safety regulations and address modernizing air traffic control systems. Additionally, the FAA faces pressure to improve its regulatory processes for the growing space industry. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have criticized the agency for delays in approving rocket launches and imposing fines for license violations.
As Trump’s team prepares to nominate a new FAA administrator, Whitaker assured continuity in the agency’s safety operations during this transition. “Through every transition, you have kept air travel steady and safe. This will be no different,” he said in a statement.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com