FAA Chief Resigns After DUI Arrest

J. Randolph Babbitt has resigned as head of the Federation Aviation Administration, just days after he was charged with drunken driving in Virginia. Babbitt was arrested Saturday night in Fairfax. At his request, he was put on administrative leave Monday by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. He announced his resignation yesterday. “Serving as FAA administrator has been an absolute honor and the highlight of my professional career,” he said. “But I am unwilling to let anything cast a shadow on the outstanding work done … by my colleagues.” LaHood – who initially learned of Babbitt’s arrest through a police press release 36 hours after it occurred – said yesterday he had told Babbitt he was “very disappointed with the way that I learned about this.” However, LaHood praised Babbitt as “a dedicated public servant and outstanding leader.” Babbitt, 65, has been head of the FAA since 2009. He served previously as chairman of the agency’s Management Advisory Council, was an Eastern Airlines pilot for 25 years and was president of the Air Line Pilots Association.