PRESS RELEASE
Alexandria, Va. (Sept. 7, 2023) –Helicopter Association International (HAI) applauds today’s White House announcement of the nomination of Michael Whitaker to serve as the FAA administrator.
“Mike’s 30 years of aviation policy experience gives him the knowledge and skillset to effectively lead the FAA,” says James Viola, HAI president and CEO. “I worked closely with Mike during my tenure overseeing general aviation at the FAA and, from what I saw, I am confident that he is the right person to lead the agency at a time when aviation— particularly vertical aviation—is evolving at such as rapid pace.”
Viola cites Whitaker’s leadership of the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), the government’s effort to modernize the use of the nation’s airspace, as essential experience that will help the agency to safely incorporate new entrants into American aviation.
“Vertical aviation is leading the future with advanced helicopter technology, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations, and continued innovation across the vertical flight sector. As our industry moves forward, it is critical that the United States has strong leadership at the FAA to provide global regulatory guidance while continuing to set the gold standard in safety. HAI is confident that Mike will provide that leadership,” says Viola.
HAI urges the Senate to move forward with Whitaker’s nomination process quickly.
“Mike is the leader the FAA needs at this time, and we fully support his nomination,” adds Viola.