Elwell brings a substantial background to his new role as acting administrator. A former airline executive with industry, government, and association experience, he returned to the FAA as deputy administrator last summer, after originally serving as assistant administrator for aviation policy, planning, and environment from 2006 to 2008, the Aviation of International News reported.
With the changing of the guards from an Obama-appointed person to a Trump-appointed one, it will be interesting to see Elwell’s approach to integrating drones in the National Airspace, which is something Huerta was open to, spearheading a lot of welcomed drone regulations and paths forward.
“Michael has been a steady leader at the FAA during a time of significant change,” said NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) president and CEO Ed Bolen in a statement. “Under his stewardship, the agency has shown demonstrable progress in implementing NextGen, to ensure America’s continued global leadership in aviation; in rewriting Part 23 certification standards, to ensure the safety and affordability of small aircraft; and laying the groundwork for the safe introduction of unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. These important priorities will be among the pillars of his legacy.”
What would you like the new Administrator to focus on? Let us know in the comments below.