That’s an average of 2 1/3 years per Administrator–but THE AVERAGE IS EVEN LESS THAN THAT, since the position has usually been left unfilled for months or years until a new Administrator has been appointed and confirmed–then a new administration appoints their own. Is it any WONDER that so little gets done (especially by someone without a strong aviation background?)
FAA has always been “top heavy” with “administrative staff”. Here’s my test–ask anyone in the aviation business–“If YOU had a decision that involved the future of your business, would YOU ask the FAA?” I have yet to see a business owner say yes.
Yet government appoints political hacks, rather than top-rated technical specialists or administrators. Take a look yourself–go through almost any aviation magazine, and see how many times the FAA is mentioned favorably and unfavorably. Is it any wonder that the FAA is held in such low regard?