Huerta became the FAA’s official chief on Jan. 7, 2013. During his term, the agency enjoyed the safest period in airline history, with no fatalities on U.S.-regulated passenger carriers.
Michael Huerta’s five-year term as FAA administrator ended on Saturday, and so far the Trump administration has not named his replacement. Daniel Elwell, who was named as the FAA’s deputy administrator last June, will serve as acting administrator.
Elwell, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, previously served as FAA assistant administrator for policy, planning, and environment. He was also president and managing partner of Elwell and Associates, an aviation consulting firm. Elwell was also senior vice president for safety, security, and operations at Airlines For America and vice president at the Aerospace Industries Association.
The FAA has a significant impact on the aviation industry. The aviation sector made many strides under Huerta’s leadership, but the drone industry is especially anxious to see what the future holds for drone integration under the new administration.