John Dunkin Is Reportedly On The Short List For The Position

One of the people on the short list to succeed Michael Huerta as FAA Administrator is John Dunkin, who was President Donald Trump's personal pilot on Trump Force One during the campaign.

Axios reports that Trump has reportedly told several administration officials and associates that he would like to see Dunkin in the position. And while many in Washington are saying that Dunkin would be unqualified to lead the agency, a source told Axios contributor Jonathan Swan that "He’s on the list because he's the President’s pilot, but if he gets the job it won't be because he's the President's pilot.”

An administration official also defended Dunkin to Swan, saying he has managed airline and corporate flight departments, as well as certifying start-up airlines under FAA regulations and oversaw Trump's campaign air fleet.

Sources tell Axios that other possible candidates include Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) and acting administrator Dan Elwell.

Elwell became FAA deputy administrator in June, and was named acting administrator by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao when Huerta resigned in January at the end of his 5-year term.  “Dan's background as a military and commercial pilot and past leadership positions in FAA and the aviation sector ensures a seamless transition to continue the important mission of the FAA,”  said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in a news release announcing his promotion to Acting Administrator at the time. 

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report