Whitaker Stepping Down as Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Administrator
24-May-2016 Mike Whitaker, FAA's Deputy Administrator, is stepping down at the end of June. Whitaker, who also serves as Chief NextGen Officer for the agency, led the effort to modernize the nation's air traffic control system. During his tenure, key components of the system were completed, including the installation of ADS-B ground stations throughout the U.S., and the technology upgrade of all the nation's air traffic centers - the program known as ERAM. A key to this success was leveraging the NextGen Advisory Committee, or NAC, to better align the deployment of NextGen with the needs of users of the system. As he leaves the agency, the NextGen programs are on schedule and on budget.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta lauded Whitaker for his pivotal role in helping to lead the Agency over the last three years.
"Mike has been an invaluable partner in all this agency has accomplished over the last three years. His industry experience and business focus were invaluable in leading the deployment of NextGen, integrating drones into the airspace, and working with the general aviation community to make flying safer and more accessible."
Whitaker focused on engagement with industry to improve all facets of execution at the FAA. Mark Baker, President and CEO of the Airline Owners and Pilots Association, praised Whitaker's open style and outreach to industry. "Mike worked closely with the aviation community to ensure that our views and concerns were understood and taken into account on important issues like GA safety and ADS-B equipage. His inclusive approach and personal involvement helped form a bridge between industry and government."
Brian Wynne, President and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) noted, "The FAA has faced huge challenges over the last few years integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the airspace. Mike has brought strategic leadership to this issue and cultivated an internal culture change at the FAA to recognize UAS integration as a critical part of NextGen. His work developing public policy for UAS will influence the growth and success of the industry."
Prior to joining the agency in June 2013, Whitaker spent most of his career in the airline industry, rising to senior vice president international and alliances at United Airlines, and group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, India's largest airline. Whitaker earned his private pilot's certificate in 2014.