Blakey Reverses Support for ATA Position

After joining in lock step with the Air Transport Association in favoring changes in the funding formula for her agency, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, in a parting shot, said that not only are the airlines to blame for current congestion but blaming business jets is wrong. The reversal came during her speech before the Aero Club last week and comes on the cusp of Congressional consideration of the FAA reauthorization legislation including the new funding plan which increases fees and taxes for business aviation. The funding scheme was passed by the Senate but rejected in the House.
Blakey cited government data as proof that weather and airline scheduling are the major causes of delays, according to the Washington Post in a recent editorial. "No, you can't control Mother Nature," said Blakey. "But airlines can control their own schedules."
The paper also quoted AOPA President Phil Boyer. It's great to see the administrator sharing these facts," said AOPA President Phil Boyer." Related Story