Release #12.15
March 31, 2012

ALPA Urges Senate to Swiftly Confirm Huerta as FAA Administrator
Recent Passage of FAA Reauthorization Presents Critical Opportunity

WASHINGTON – In a letter sent to U.S. Senators, Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), urged the lawmakers to swiftly confirm Michael Huerta as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

“With the recent passage by Congress of the FAA reauthorization bill, it is a time for critical decisions to be made,” said Capt. Moak. “Steady, long-term leadership, not transitional leadership, is what is needed at the helm of FAA.”

In the March 30 letter, Moak underscored Mr. Huerta’s professionalism, leadership, and expertise. Pointing to Mr. Huerta’s proficiency with all areas of aviation, Capt. Moak highlighted that his expertise will be needed at the FAA “to provide stability and direction as we undertake a massive upgrade to our nation’s air traffic control system.”

“As we work together to improve our nation’s already stellar aviation safety record, Michael Huerta has already shown that he can lead the FAA in the right direction,” said Capt. Moak in the letter. “His nomination by the President to serve as Administrator is welcomed by ALPA. I urge the Senate to confirm Michael Huerta as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration as soon as the Senate returns from its April district work period.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org