US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman Marion Blakey has been nominated to become the new administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration in a move being widely welcomed by industry. Blakey's nomination was put forward by the White House last week, ending months of speculation - and concern - about who would replace Jane Garvey when her five-year term ends in early August. Blakey's popularity and background at the NTSB and previously as administrator at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should smooth the nomination process through Congress. Issues ahead of her will include FAA reform - with some in Congress calling for the agency's air traffic control (ATC) function to be independent - and how to manage ATC congestion.
Source: Flight International
