NBAA Thanks FAA Administrator Huerta for Distinguished Public Service

Jan. 6, 2018
After six years of leading the FAA, Huerta’s final day was Saturday Jan. 6.

Washington, DC, Jan. 5, 2018 ­– National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today commended Michael Huerta, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for his dedicated service and commitment to aviation safety.

“Michael has been a steady leader at the FAA during a time of significant change,” Bolen said. “Under his stewardship, the agency has shown demonstrable progress in implementing NextGen, to ensure America’s continued global leadership in aviation; in rewriting Part 23 certification standards to ensure the safety and affordability of small aircraft; and laying the groundwork for the safe introduction of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. These important priorities will be among the pillars of his legacy.”

Bolen also noted Huerta’s continuing focus on the FAA’s role in aviation safety. To illustrate his point, he highlighted the FAA’s Compliance Philosophy initiative, which encourages regulatory compliance through government-industry collaboration. For example, efforts to correct errors through collaboration, rather than focusing on investigations and enforcement actions, Bolen said, have resulted in tangible safety benefits for both general aviation and the airlines under Huerta’s tenure.

Huerta was confirmed as FAA administrator in January 2013, giving him oversight for the largest aviation system in the world, supported by 47,000 employees, and the FAA’s Next Generation, or “NextGen” aviation system modernization program.

Before his confirmation, Huerta was FAA’s deputy administrator. His career spans both the public and private sector, including a tenure as managing director of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He also served as the executive director of the Port of San Francisco from 1989 to 1993, and as commissioner of New York City’s Department of Ports, International Trade and Commerce, from 1986 to 1989.

Huerta was a frequent speaker at industry events, including NBAA’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in 2014, and NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in 2017.

“We are grateful for Michael’s contribution to aviation safety, his willingness to work with the general aviation community and his open communication with all sectors of the industry. We wish him all the best in the future,” Bolen concluded.