FAA Administrator Babbitt Arrested for DUI; Takes Leave of Absence

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FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt

Fairfax, Virginia, police arrested FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt this weekend for drunk driving. Babbitt was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving on the wrong side of Old Lee Highway in Fairfax when he was pulled over. Babbitt was alone in the automobile, according to reports. The city does not release blood alcohol levels of persons arrested for driving under the influence.

On Monday the Department of Transportation, the federal department under which the FAA resides, announced that Babbitt was placed on a leave of absence as a result of the arrest. Federal officials are reportedly in discussions with counsel concerning the circumstances of Babbitt’s ongoing employment.

Micheal Huerta will take over the reins of the agency in Babbitt’s absence. Babbitt faces an early February court date to answer charges.

For more, read "DUI Fallout: What happens to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt now?"

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Submitted by mosart on December 06, 2011.

So long... we don't need that. Leave of Absence is a joke, he needs to be fired and turned into an example. This just adds to the FAA troubles with the government... Shame on you.

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Submitted by DennisJohn on December 06, 2011.

I agree 100%...As a retired Controller who also served as Facilty Representative for the union, if this had happened to myself or a fellow Controller the two choices would be: enter rehab (first time option only)...or be fired immediately.

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Submitted by Makayabu1000 on December 06, 2011.

Well. An FAA boss got drunk and drive. Wow! What an example ?

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Submitted by swiftyknows on December 06, 2011.

Well my guess he will get a wrist slap, since Obama loves unions, and Babbitt is an ex union member, they both specialize in giving unwarranted second and third chances to losers and lawbreakers. Fire him, and find a worthy replacement, and please find one whom the Republican party will approve of, rather than another rump kisser from Obamas crony group.

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Submitted by Heidere on December 06, 2011.

How dare he drink and then drive, while running the FAA, an agency which relentlessly nails pilots, the vast majority of whom never fly under the influence of anything except the desire to land safely and legally, but who love a social drink moments after securing their aircraft.

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Submitted by shadow on December 06, 2011.

It's unfortunate that the government didn't treat our Secretary of Treasury who cheated on his taxes the same way that Mr. Babbit is about to be treated. I guess saying, "It was an oversight", is not going to get him off the hook like it did our Treasury Secretary! I understand the differences, but I also understand the similarities. People in high places in government should be held to a higher standard, but not a "double standard"!

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Submitted by apx2fly on December 06, 2011.

It's sad that the last commentary had to bring politics this. For generations there were shades of gray when it came to drinking and driving - one wasn't automatically a disdainful criminal. I'm not condoning Randy's actions, but without knowing his history, I lean toward a little more compassion then to just dismiss his value as a person, and to the FAA.

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Submitted by SoCalGuy on December 07, 2011.

@swiftyknows: Keep the discussion about flying, go peddle your partisan politics elsewhere.

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Submitted by Tinman on December 07, 2011.

I agree with Mosart, Swiftlyknows, and Shadow. All government officials, male or female, Democrat or Republican, including the President of the United States should be held to the same standards as a, private or commercial, pilot. They should adhere to the same regulations that disqualify pilots from flying, or passing a flight medical exam. For example, certain prescription meds impair judgement and decision making as severely as illegal drugs or alcohol addiction. If an official is found to need such medication, or be under the influence of illegal drugs, or alcohol, he should be removed from his position since his decisions (making rules, regulations, or passing laws governing rights, freedoms, or privileges of others) could affect the lives of the citizens of this great nation. Anyone with a medical problem such as heart disease requiring a pace maker, diabetes, depression, or bouts of anxiety, should not be put in a position where they need a clear mind when making decisions that affect the lives of others.

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Submitted by wilburville on December 07, 2011.

How many of you have had a bit too much to drink, drove home and were lucky to never get caught? It's the holiday season. Y'all be careful out there. Be happy, safe and not so vindictive.

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Submitted by rgs on December 07, 2011.

It's unfortunate we seem to take comfort in the failure of others. Political appointees are always held to a higher standard than the ones who appoint them, so I'm afraid Mr Babbitt is gone. The bigger problem is that very little of any consequence will happen in the FAA until a replacement is in place, and that may not happen until after the 2012 election. Mr Babbitt was, by all measures, a fair administrator....be careful how you celebrate is departure.

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Submitted by usma61 on December 07, 2011.

Well, thank goodness he didn't hurt someone else before being caught. I hope he gets some treatment for his problem. Too bad, really. This entire event just goes on to prove that he is only human. Good luck, sir.

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Submitted by DennisJohn on December 07, 2011.

SoCalGuy...Thanks for saying it so succinctly...there's no place in this forum for partisan politics...let's keep to the subject(s) at hand...Aviation.