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Timely Confirmation of Michael Huerta Important for Stability of Aviation Industry

November 19, 2012

The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC  20510

Dear Senator Reid:

As you consider your agenda for the final weeks of the 112th Congress, I ask that you schedule a vote to confirm Acting Administrator Michael Huerta as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Mr. Huerta has demonstrated exemplary leadership of the FAA over the past year, and his timely confirmation will provide the continuity and stability that the aviation industry, its employees and the agency need at this critical time.

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Huerta during his service in the FAA and previously during his tenure at the U.S. Department of Transportation.  His breadth of experience on transportation and aviation issues in both the public and private sector make him uniquely qualified to address the enormous challenges facing the largest aviation system in the world.  Since taking over as FAA’s Acting Administrator, Mr. Huerta has proven to be an effective leader in tackling the important issues, both large and small, and has helped improve the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system.

I also appreciate Mr. Huerta’s willingness to foster an environment of labor-management cooperation with the FAA’s vast workforce that has served both the agency and the goals of aviation safety exceedingly well.  Mr. Huerta has also worked with private-sector aviation workers and their unions to improve both the safety and efficiency of the system.

This is a particularly important period for the FAA and the U.S. aviation industry, as we transition to the multi-billion dollar NextGen air traffic control system and shift from ground-based radar to state-of-the-art satellite technology.  I believe that Mr. Huerta has the temperament, leadership skills, and experience to lead the nation through this transition, while remaining vigilant in pursuing the highest standards of safe air travel.

The challenges and opportunities facing the FAA in the coming years will require steady and seasoned leadership.  Mr. Huerta has proven that he is more than qualified for the job, and I ask that you work to quickly confirm his nomination as FAA Administrator.

Sincerely,

Edward Wytkind
President

cc:        The Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV, Chair, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
The Honorable Maria Cantwell, Chair, Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee

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