Statement by the Air Traffic Control Association on the Nomination of Randy Babbitt to be FAA Administrator

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) welcomes President Obama's nomination of Randy Babbitt to be the next FAA Administrator. ATCA believes that the confirmation of an Administrator is vital to moving forward the much needed modernization of air traffic control and to boost the ongoing efforts to implement NextGen programs. We are hopeful that the Senate will act soon to confirm the new Administrator. We look forward to working with Mr. Babbitt and his team on all the important priorities facing the aviation industry.

"The nation has been in critical need of an FAA Administrator that understands labor, NextGen, budgets, Congress, safety, large organizations, and Air Traffic Control. We are pleased to see this process moving forward," said ATCA President, Peter Dumont.

To provide FAA's ATC modernization efforts with needed direction and stability, the Congress established a 5-year term for the FAA Administrator. Having an administrator confirmed to a full term will provide FAA steady leadership through a time of great change. ATCA is pleased to see the confirmation process being initiated and is supportive of an expeditious confirmation.

Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) has been the premier global organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and profession of air traffic control for over fifty years. Members are drawn to ATCA because it is a professional organization with national and global influence, furthers the progress in ATC, ATM, aviation and aeronautical sciences, and policy developments. All aspects of the aviation business are affected by air traffic control and are found within the membership of ATCA.