Some Kudos for Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-WV) ...

... while Jane Garvey remains in the loop for DOT Secretary. On Tuesday, the National Air Transportation Association issued a press release congratulating the appointment of Sen. Rockefeller as chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. NATA president James Coyne states that “NATA and others in the general aviation community were extremely appreciative of Senator Rockefeller’s leadership in forging a compromise on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007. Unfortunately, the Senator’s tireless work didn’t reach the Senate floor for consideration, but we look forward to working with him in the 111th Congress to ensure that this legislation is completed.†What makes the PR curious is that this is the same Sen. Rockefeller who had been calling for more stringent security regulations for general aviation, in his role as chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation Operations. Comments NATA vice president of government & industry affairs Eric Byer, “Yes, he wants to beat up on general aviation security, to some extent.†Yet, Byer says he was very impressed with Sen. Rockefeller’s support of general aviation in the FAA reauthorization battle last year. Says Byer, “He was the one pushing the $25 flight fee, but he compromised in supporting an increase in aviation fuel taxes. I was very impressed with Sen. Rockefeller; he really worked hard and gave a passionate speech on the floor in support of the bill. “He was genuine; he’ll be good for the Commerce Committee.†Meanwhile, on the subject of who will get the nod for heading up DOT and FAA, Byer says former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey remains high on the list for the DOT Secretary job. Several other names are being floated for the two posts, says Byer, including an unidentified airport manager in Florida. “The word is that Senator Obama wants all key positions done by this Friday; I’m told it could happen. I think Jane is still very much in the loop. I heard about an airport manager in Florida or Miami who might be on the radar. I have a personal preference with Jane; we all know her very well and she’s been great to work with in the past.†Thanks for reading. jfi [Note: Shortly after this posting, it was reported that President-elect Obama will nominate U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) as the next DOT Secretary.]