Michael Whitaker
Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
Michael Gordon Whitaker was born in June 1961 in San Antonio, Texas. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University.
Whitaker served as a litigator for Trans World Airlines, then became their assistant general counsel. He then served in executive roles at United Airlines. He became CEO of a travel group overseeing four affiliate travel companies.
Whitaker became the Federal Aviation Administration’s deputy administrator in 2013 and facilitated the transition from radar to satellite technology in U.S. air traffic control. He became an aviation consultant in 2016. He served as chief operating officer of a group designing an electric advanced air mobility vehicle. He is also a pilot and serves on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation.
President Biden nominated Whitaker as administrator of the FAA in September 2023. He was confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office the following month.
In the News…
The Federal Aviation Administration issued additional temporary bans on drone flights in dozens of areas of New York after having issued ones for parts of central and northern New Jersey. The Notice to Airmen restricts uncrewed aircraft within a nautical mile of specified infrastructure.
The FAA stated, “At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure.” The notice states that deadly force may be used by the government against drone that pose an imminent security threat.
The bans include parts of southern New York, Long Island, and all of New York City. The governor of New York requested the temporary flight restrictions, which will be in force through January 19.
Contact this Leader…
Did you pray for Administrator Whitaker today? You can let him know at:
The Honorable Michael Whitaker, Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20591
