Sturgell nominated to head FAA

Industry reaction has been mostly positive to President Bush’s nomination of acting FAA Administrator Bobby Sturgell to a five-year term to lead the agency. “We are extremely pleased by the White House’s decision to nominate Bobby Sturgell as the next FAA Administrator,” said GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce. “Bobby’s experience in key leadership roles within the FAA is truly invaluable, especially as our nation faces the time-critical challenge of modernizing [the] air transportation system…We look forward to continuing our great working relationship with Bobby and his staff.” AOPA, NBAA, NATA and other aviation trade groups largely echoed this sentiment. However, the nomination drew a sharp, dissenting view from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca). “The President’s nomination for FAA administrator has been an integral part of [the] systematic demise of controller staffing and abysmal labor-management relations,” said Natca president Patrick Forrey.