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Statement by AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey Regarding the FAA Administrator Nomination:

December 21, 2007

I am concerned that Congress adjourned without holding a hearing on the nomination of acting Administrator Robert A. Sturgell to become the next FAA administrator. He is superbly qualified for the position and I urge Congress to move forward with hearings next year at its earliest opportunity. A decade ago, Congress established the FAA administrator position with a five-year term to provide the stability and continuity necessary for an agency that is focused on safety and complicated operational responsibilities. Since then, both administrators have served full five-year terms, major modernization programs are on schedule and on budget, and the nation's skies have never been safer. It is critical for the continued smooth operation of our nation's air transportation system to have a person confirmed and appointed for a five-year term as soon as possible.