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From the Daily Caller: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker announced Thursday he will resign Jan. 20 amid ongoing tensions with SpaceX over regulatory compliance and launch permits.
Whitaker, who began another five-year term in October 2023, will be succeeded by Mark House, the agency’s assistant administrator for finance and management, according to Reuters. FAA Deputy Administrator Katie Hobson is also stepping down Jan. 10.
The resignation follows the FAA’s $633,009 fine against SpaceX for alleged permit violations during two 2023 rocket launches. The agency accused SpaceX of launching missions in May and July 2023 without obtaining proper approvals for a new launch control room and fuel storage silo. SpaceX challenged these allegations, criticizing the FAA’s licensing process.
In a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, SpaceX argued that the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation lacks resources to review licensing materials effectively.
SpaceX Letter Re Alleged No… by Jeff Foust
The National Association of State Aviation Officials announced, “This morning, @FAANews Administrator Michael Whitaker announced to the agency’s staff that he will be resigning effective January 20. “As I conclude my time at the FAA, my confidence in you to meet our safety mission has never been stronger,” Whitaker wrote in his email.”
This morning, @FAANews Administrator Michael Whitaker announced to the agency’s staff that he will be resigning effective January 20. “As I conclude my time at the FAA, my confidence in you to meet our safety mission has never been stronger,” Whitaker wrote in his email. pic.twitter.com/rvjwOl7GL4
— National Association of State Aviation Officials (@NASAOofficial) December 12, 2024
Breaking: FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is leaving. pic.twitter.com/0GV4ShrQrI
— Alexandra Skores (@AlexandraSkores) December 12, 2024
Federal Aviation Administration head Michael Whitaker to step down Jan. 20 https://t.co/eAwTRJZjWl
— CNBC (@CNBC) December 12, 2024
.@FAA_Mike farewell email https://t.co/Ag6Y5ZRFi5 pic.twitter.com/2zT7jLi3dS
— David Shepardson (@davidshepardson) December 12, 2024
Look at this news article from The Daily Caller: FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker Announces His Resignation https://t.co/3ylSVk0rZH
— Ron cohen (@Roncohe54918265) December 12, 2024
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