Aero-News TV
“The AEA convention keeps us in touch with our customers and other members in the aviation industry. It also provides valuable resources to help us address a variety of aviation issues such as regulations, product applications, maintenance, certification, management, etc.”

Nathan Sugimoto, President, KGS Electronics


Universal Avionics

Rockwell Collins

AEA Press Headquarters
AEA News Release

For more information, contact Trisha Drape,
director of communications for the AEA, at 816-347-8400 or trishad@aea.net.
For immediate release:
March 28, 2012


President Obama Nominates Michael Huerta to Lead FAA
Huerta currently serving as Interim Administrator

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO., March 28, 2012 -- President Barack Obama has nominated Michael Huerta to serve a five-year term as administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration. Huerta has served as acting chief of the agency since December 2011, following the arrest of former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt for driving while intoxicated. He was elevated to the post by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood following Babbitt's arrest.

The nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Huerta did not come to the FAA with an aviation background. He previously served as chief of staff of the Department of Transportation and associate deputy secretary in the department's intermodalism office. He also served as the managing director of transportation communication for the local organizing committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition, he was commissioner of the New York City Department of Ports and executive director at the Port of San Francisco.

"While somewhat surprised at the swiftness of the nomination, we appreciate the fact that the Obama administration recognizes the need to name a new FAA administrator now rather than later," said Paula Derks, AEA president. "There are too many challenging issues in the immediate future, including NextGen implementation and the UAV mandate in 2015, to delay appointing a permanent administrator to lead the agency."

– 30 –

The Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300 repair stations from throughout the world specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.

Back to Press Headquarters