FAA boss Randy Babbitt, 65, was stopped by police in Fairfax County, Virginia, on Saturday after allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.  Hardly the behaviour of someone in charge of aviation safety, don’t you think?  Mr Babbitt was charged with driving while intoxicated, and yesterday made a request for an immediate leave of absence which was granted.

Today, he resigned, making the following statement “Today I submitted my resignation to Secretary Ray LaHood and it has been accepted.  Serving as FAA Administrator has been an absolute honor and the highlight of my professional career.   But I am unwilling to let anything cast a shadow on the outstanding work done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by my colleagues at the FAA.  They run the finest and safest aviation system in the world and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work alongside them.  I am confident in their ability to successfully carry out all of the critical safety initiatives underway and the  improvements that the FAA has planned.  I also want to thank Secretary LaHood for his leadership and dedication to the safety of the traveling public.”

Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta will serve as acting administrator.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com