As a government employee I had the opportunity to work under an “appointee” who had no real experience in the job he was given. He was able to take an efficient and smooth running operation and throw it under the bus. He was,however, presented with awards from his superiors while the ship sank.
The administrator of the FAA may not have to be a pilot,but he should someone with an intimate understanding of how the system works and has sufficient knowledge to hire the right people for important positions,and also know enough to ask the right questions.