The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation which regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters.
“The FAA’s critical role in maintaining aviation safety is more important than ever as we navigate unprecedented changes in our national aerospace system. We’re embracing innovation while remaining laser-focused on ensuring our system remains the safest in world transportation history” - Mike Whitaker, FAA Administrator.
The United States has been a dominant world leader in aerospace. How is the Department of Transportation fostering a competitive environment that supports new entrants into the market?
FAA: Our aviation system is undergoing rapid change with the rise of drones, commercial space operations, and the advancement of technologies like Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and electric aircraft. The FAA has the policies, procedures, and resources to safely and efficiently integrate these new technologies into the National Airspace System (NAS).
In terms of commercial space operations, the FAA is using technology to ensure airspace remains open longer during launches, minimizing the impact on other air traffic. Additionally, we track space vehicles in real time and respond to any anomalies quickly. Drones are another key area of focus, where we’re working on rules for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations to make these services scalable and economically viable. We're also prioritizing safety standards for air taxis, ensuring they meet the rigorous requirements of modern aviation.
From pilots to MROs, companies across the aviation sector are concerned about the dwindling workforce. How do you plan to spur industry recruitment, training, and retention?
FAA: While the FAA doesn’t hire directly for the industry, we’re deeply involved in fostering a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since 2012, there has been a 12.5% increase in Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates, showing progress in pilot recruitment. We’re also making significant investments in education, including awarding $5 million in grants to high schools for aviation classes, which helps spark interest among younger generations.
Additionally, the FAA is committed to engaging with a broader audience through initiatives like the FAA Adopt-A-School Program, Aviation Career Education Academies, and partnerships with organizations like Women in Aviation International. On top of this, we're expanding recruitment for air traffic controllers, hiring over 1,500 last year, with plans to hire at least 2,000 in 2025. We’re expediting the onboarding process and expanding training programs to keep up with the growing demand for aviation professionals.
In light of the ongoing safety concerns and investigation into Boeing, how is the FAA ensuring full transparency, accountability, and cooperation throughout the process?
FAA: We’re committed to ensuring Boeing adheres to the highest safety standards. The FAA has mandated that Boeing develop a comprehensive action plan to address its quality control and production issues. We are conducting enhanced oversight, increasing safety inspections at Boeing and its suppliers, and ensuring that corrective measures are effective and sustained.
Moreover, a dedicated team of FAA subject matter experts is constantly reviewing Boeing's progress. Senior FAA leaders meet weekly with Boeing to monitor performance, and monthly reviews are conducted to ensure that they’re on track with the necessary improvements. This multi-layered approach ensures both transparency and accountability.
What are the major concerns and regulations around drone traffic and delivery in 2024 and beyond as commercial drones enter the national airspace?
FAA: The FAA’s focus is on making beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations safe, scalable, and economically viable. As of June 2024, we have more than 782,000 registered drones, and this number is expected to grow to over 3 million by 2028. To manage this growth, we are working on the UAS traffic management (UTM) system to ensure safe integration into the NAS.
We are also reviewing safety recommendations from the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee and are committed to establishing clear rules that will allow drones to operate safely at scale. These steps are critical as we prepare for the increasing role that commercial drones will play in the coming years.
Following the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, how are you working with airlines and manufacturers to impose more stringent carbon emissions and the adoption of greener technologies?
FAA: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are at the center of our strategy to decarbonize aviation and meet domestic climate goals. The SAF Grand Challenge targets 3 billion gallons of SAF production by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050, aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuel.
The Biden-Harris Administration is supporting this through guidance and incentives under the Investing in America agenda. Departments such as Transportation, Treasury, and Energy are collaborating to incentivize SAF production and adoption, making the U.S. a leader in this emerging market. These efforts are part of a broader goal to achieve net-zero emissions in the aviation sector by 2050.
There has been a recent flurry of activity in the development of eVTOLs. How much potential does this market present, and what policies are being implemented to encourage scaling, safety, and adoption of these new technologies?
FAA: Safety is our primary mission, and we’re ensuring that this new generation of air taxis adheres to the same high standards as commercial aviation. The FAA has established regulations that allow manufacturers to meet safety standards in innovative ways, and we’re working on airworthiness criteria for several companies seeking certification for their aircraft.
We have also developed an implementation plan that includes pilot training standards, airspace procedure changes, and working with other government agencies and communities to integrate these aircraft. We expect initial operations to use existing infrastructure like helipads and air traffic control services, with eVTOLs operating much like helicopters today. As the market grows, air taxis could operate in dedicated corridors between major airports and city centers.
