Phil Washington, whose nomination to be the next Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has caused controversy since it was announced by the White House last year, has withdrawn his bid. In common with a number of federal civil service posts, the job is a political appointment and consequently has excited a good deal of debate over the years, but few more so than the embattled Washington. His nomination for the post in July 2022 came at a time when the sum total of his experience in aviation was his then six months as CEO of Denver International Airport, having spent much of his career prior to that in ground transport following a long career in the US Army. His nomination excited much criticism, with opponents (largely Republicans) arguing that the demands of the post, together with the FAA’s challenges, demanded a candidate with extensive aviation experience.
Further, Washington remains a “material” part of a probe into corruption at the Los Angeles Transportation Authority during his time as its CEO. Perhaps though, the final nail was Washington’s train wreck Senate confirmation hearing which swayed Democrat and Independent members of the House and Senate against his nomination.
For now, interim Administrator Billy Nolen remains at the FAA helm, with some calling for his position to be made permanent, arguing that his nomination would attract support from both sides of the aisle.
