Summary
The FAA is facing a leadership vacuum amid a major aviation disaster after former administrator Michael Whitaker resigned on January 20th, following clashes with Elon Musk.
Musk, angered by FAA fines against SpaceX, publicly called for Whitaker’s resignation.
The crisis intensified after an Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet in Washington, D.C., killing all on board.
Trump has appointed Chris Rocheleau as acting FAA administrator, with Musk reportedly influencing government staffing decisions.
The FAA also struggles with underfunding and air traffic control staffing shortages.
I have avoided transit through the US for over 15 years now, as LAX once had transfer facilities that felt like a prison… And transfers require redoing those TSA searches and enduring inordinately long lines. Id rather have my molars removed again as at least I can sit down while I wait