Back in 1996, Congress decided subsequent FAA Administrators should have a five-year minimum term. Supposedly, this decision was made to prevent political meddling in the agencys affairs and ensure the FAA would make the “right” decisions. Right. This was, for what its worth, the same law removing from the agencys mandate the concept of promoting aviation. This coming September-the 13th, to be exact-marks five years since current Administrator Marion C. Blakeys tenure began, the crowning achievement of which is not having been in office on Sept. 11, 2001. By then, its unlikely Congress will have reached a decision on proposals imposing general aviation user fees in lieu of the existing excise tax scheme, or whether some other “option” will arise. 195
Departures/Arrivals
Back in 1996, Congress decided subsequent FAA Administrators should have a five-year minimum term. Supposedly, this decision was made to prevent political meddling in the agencys affairs and ensure the FAA would make the "right" decisions. Right. This was, for what its worth, the same law removing from the agencys mandate the concept of promoting aviation.
Key Takeaways:
- FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey's five-year term is concluding, raising questions about her departure and the agency's leadership transition.
- The fate of a controversial general aviation user-fee proposal, a key issue during her tenure, remains uncertain due to strong congressional opposition.
- Blakey's decision to step down or remain in her role is expected to hinge on the outcome of this user-fee proposal.
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