Sat, Jan 24, 2009
NATA Notes New Priority On Resolving FAA/NATCA Conflict
We may soon witness a return to civility between the FAA and the
National Air Traffic Controllers Association, with Thursday's
confirmation of former Illinois congressman Ray LaHood as the next
secretary of the US Department of Transportation.
That's a sentiment expressed by the National Air Transportation
Association, which noted that during his confirmation hearing
before the US Senate LaHood highlighted ways in which the
department will distinguish itself from its predecessor. LaHood
pointedly added he planned to select an FAA administrator who will
resolve a stalemate between the agency and the air traffic
controllers union over labor costs... a marked departure from the
previous Blakey and Sturgell regimes.
"President Obama has made an excellent choice in selecting
Representative LaHood as the next secretary of transportation,"
said NATA President James K. Coyne. "The Congressman has been a
long-standing advocate for general aviation during his tenure in
Congress, and we look forward to working with him on critical
issues facing the industry."
That apparent focus and resolve were also heralded by the
National Business Aviation Association, which recalled LaHood
earned a reputation in Congress as a bipartisan advocate for
transportation interests.
"We congratulate Secretary LaHood, and we look forward to
working with him on our industry's highest priorities," said NBAA
President Ed Bolen. "We have reached out to the secretary, and we
are confident that he and his staff will be eager to hear our ideas
about aviation system modernization and other industry
concerns."
As ANN reported, LaHood received a unanimous
confirmation vote Thursday. He was nominated in December to serve
as transportation secretary by then President-elect Obama.
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