Babbitt Placed On Leave Of Absence, Future Unclear
ANN Real-Time Update, 120511, 17481, ET:
EAA President, Rod Hightower, has weighed in as well with the
following statement, “This is a most unfortunate
development, particularly in light of the many positive
contributions made by Administrator Babbitt as head of the FAA.
There will be no rush to judgment by EAA as we await the facts and
further information.”
ANN Real-Time Update, 120511, 1551, ET: AOPA
President, Craig Fuller has just furnished a statement to ANN,
"At moments like this there tends to be a rush to judgment in
Washington, DC. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt brings considerable
passion, experience and skills to a position that is vital to the
aviation community. I would hope that a decision to go on
administrative leave will afford he and others in the
administration the time to carefully weigh important personal and
professional factors before the fate of one so dedicated is
decided."
ANN Real-Time Update, 120511, 1433, ET: The DOT
has issued a statement regarding FAA Administrator Babbitt's arrest
for DWI, stating that, "DOT officials learned of FAA
Administrator Babbitt’s arrest on Saturday night within the
last hour. Administrator Babbitt has requested, effective
immediately, to take a leave of absence from the FAA. That request
has been granted and Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta will serve
as acting administrator. DOT officials are in discussions with
legal counsel about Administrator Babbitt’s employment
status."
Original Report, 120511, 1213, ET: Ouch... ANN
has learned that FAA Administrator, Jerome 'Randy' Babbitt, has
been arrested over the weekend for DWI. The arrest occurred
Saturday, December 3rd at 2230, in the 3900 block of Old Lee
Highway, in Fairfax City, VA.
Babbitt got the attention of the Fairfax City police when he was
observed driving on the 'wrong' side of the road. Babbitt, 65, was
sworn in as the FAA’s 16th administrator on June 1, 2009.
No accident took place and Babbitt was alone at the time of his
arrest. Babbitt, one of the most positively received FAA Admins in
recent memory, was released on his personal recognizance after
being taken to the local jail and ANN has learned (via the AP) that
he has been placed on leave from the FAA.
Personnel with the FAA have had little to say so far but stated
that a prepared statement was in the works and would be issued
shortly.
The effect that this may have on Babbitt's future with the FAA
is hard to discern at the moment but industry insiders suggest that
such a matter, if corroborated by solid evidence, may be cause for
the Administration to ask for his resignation. ANN will be
monitoring this story and reporting further as details become
available.