Randy Babbitt, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration – the FAA responsible for airline safety – resigned today because he was arrested over the weekend for driving while intoxicated. Babbitt, 65, took over the job as a political appointee under the Obama Administration in 2009. He is a former airline pilot and union official.
“Today I submitted my resignation to Secretary Ray LaHood and it has been accepted, said Babbit in a statement. “Serving as FAA Administrator has been an absolute honor and the highlight of my professional career. But I am unwilling to let anything cast a shadow on the outstanding work done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by my colleagues at the FAA.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood – Babbitt’s boss – said: “As FAA Administrator, Randy Babbitt has been a dedicated public servant and outstanding leader. I’m proud to say that we have the safest aviation system in the world, and thanks to Randy’s stewardship, it became safer and stronger.
LaHood also thanked Babbitt for his public service.
