Press Release Says, Begich Welcomes FAA Administrator Babbitt to Alaska Focus on aviation technology, improving safety

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich is hosting Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Randy Babbitt in Alaska next week for a series of meetings and events focused on flight safety, the importance of aviation in Alaska’s economy, and the overall aviation picture in the state. Babbitt is making his first trip to Alaska as administrator and will see firsthand the important role aviation plays in Alaska and how Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) technologies are improving aviation safety and efficiency.

“Alaskans know better than anyone the unique and important role aviation plays in our state,” Begich said. “Flying is the only reliable, year-round means of transportation for many Alaska communities. I look forward to talking to Administrator Babbitt and showing him how the use of new technology in Alaska can be implemented across the country and make air travel safer for everyone.”

Babbitt’s visit to Alaska will include traveling around the state to get a broad view of the technology, terrain, weather and other challenges faced by pilots in the state. Part of the visit will include a tour of the UAA Aviation Technology Center, considered one of the premiere aviation schools in the country.

Media events with Babbitt include:

· On Tuesday, August 24 at 10:15 a.m., Administrator Babbitt will join Sen. Begich for a news conference at the UAA Aviation Technology Center to announce Aviation Improvement Program Grants totaling millions of dollars for Alaska communities.

· On Thursday, August 26 at 10:15 a.m. Babbitt will hold a media roundtable in Juneau on NextGen at the Juneau Flight Standards District Office. Interested media should contact Sasha Johnson at sasha [dot] j [dot] johnson [at] faa [dot] gov.

Also next week, Sen. Begich will be addressing the Alaska Air Cargo Conference on Tuesday, August 24 at 9 am at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel.