Babbitt + DUI

Based on all the points he's made about responsibility and accountability... he should probably consider resigning.

He's lost the moral high ground for what he's tried to do at the FAA when it comes to integrity.
 
My uncle is an exec over aviation consumer protection at the DOT. He told me that they were releasing a statement this afternoon. Should be interesting. Wonder if he is going to have to resign over this.
 
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Why hell, this is our chance.
We'll go easy on you Babs, if you will _____.
(fill in your blank of what you want from the FAA)
 
Re: FAA Director Arrested For DUI

Oh, the humanity of it all!

I've worried a bit a few times where the line is, but it wasn't the center line of the road about which I was worried.

Best,

Dave
 
I hope he gets out of Washington, and gets help.

Noticed that the headlines this morning were two-fold:

- FAA Misses Deadline for Crew Rest Study
- FAA Wants to Cut Commercial Aviation Fatal Accidents by 50%

Total organizational schizophrenia. No wonder the guy was drinking heavily.
 
Is it coincidental that I received a link to this blog in my email today?

In November 2009, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt joined the drumbeat for renewed professionalism; “There is an extreme need to refocus on professionalism,” citing the “sad example” of the crew who “lost total situational awareness” and overflew their intended destination with an airliner full of passengers. “I can’t regulate professionalism,” he lamented.
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This always brings to mind my flight instructor who used to wear his IFR hood while driving home from the bar so he could concentrate on the lines (or so he said).
 
So, will a heartfelt apology on camera with much wringing of hands bale him out? Or will he be held accountable? I vote for the latter
 
Jeanie said:
So, will a heartfelt apology on camera with much wringing of hands bale him out? Or will he be held accountable? I vote for the latter
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I am of the opinion that he is done as Administrator. But part A should also happen if he has any integrity at all.
 
Red Air Rambo said:
Another case of do as I say, not as I do.
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But non-fatal.

On the other hand, last night I just finished reading "Flying the Mountains" by Fletcher Anderson, in which he seems to do a good job of passing on advice on the subject of the book's title. That advice also included warnings about low canyon flying, why you shouldn't do it, and if you must, why you should note where wires cross them prior to attempting such flights. Unfortunately the author died while flying low in a canyon and running into a wire crossing it. I would still recommend the book and its advice.
 
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Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
 
Bob Noel said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
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aww now don't go spoiling the lynching mob
 
Bob Noel said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
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Yes. What do you think a single DUI means to a student or on an airline application?

If the proles don't get a mulligan, he certainly doesn't.

BTW, my company policy is that I have to report a DUI arrest whether on the job or off, whether I drive a company vehicle or not.
 
Jim Logajan said:
But non-fatal.

On the other hand, last night I just finished reading "Flying the Mountains" by Fletcher Anderson, in which he seems to do a good job of passing on advice on the subject of the book's title. That advice also included warnings about low canyon flying, why you shouldn't do it, and if you must, why you should note where wires cross them prior to attempting such flights. Unfortunately the author died while flying low in a canyon and running into a wire crossing it. I would still recommend the book and its advice.
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Since I was working at the Jackson airport that day, was a member of the local CAP and helped him roll 9928H out of the hangar that morning I can say .

1- I have been flying for 30 years and there are exactly two pilots I would never fly with. One was Fletcher and the other was Sparky.

2- Both wrote books on how to fly,, both were killed doing exactly what the wrote not to do.... .

Ben ( still alive) Haas.
 
Bob Noel said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
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I have no problem with him getting work as long as it doesn't involve the safety of the public. Let him be a greeter at Walmart.

My aunt, a mother of two young children, was killed by a drunk driver and I'm MADD. The drunk got 15 years with possibility of parole. We get a lifetime of sorrow. Not a fair trade.
 
So what are the FAA rules regarding a DUI? Having never had one to report I don't the usual consequences vis a vis your pilot certificate.

If he'd been on the correct side of the road he would probably have gotten home and no one would be the wiser.
 
Bob Noel said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
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Normally, I would agree with you. But in this case, I am pretty sure Randy would do good to just resign.

As for losing a medical or certs, I do not think THAT is automatic.
 
N801BH said:
Since I was working at the Jackson airport that day, was a member of the local CAP and helped him roll 9928H out of the hangar that morning I can say .

1- I have been flying for 30 years and there are exactly two pilots I would never fly with. One was Fletcher and the other was Sparky.

2- Both wrote books on how to fly,, both were killed doing exactly what the wrote not to do.... .

Ben ( still alive) Haas.
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I take it you saw them doing stuff they advised others not to do prior to their crashes?
 
That guys an ass...good for him
 
Jeanie said:
So what are the FAA rules regarding a DUI? Having never had one to report I don't the usual consequences vis a vis your pilot certificate.
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See 61.15 and the instructions on the Form 8500-8 medical application form. You have 60 days after a motor vehicle action (defined in the reg) to report it to FAA Civil Aviation Security. In addition, whether conviced or not, the mere arrest must be reported on your medical applications -- forever (one of those "have you ever" quetions, not "within the last [period of time]")..

The first DUI normally results in an evaulation, which can result in either effective probation for a few years, or possibly suspension of your medical. The second is at least a year's suspension of your medical. Either way, you're in for a lot of expensive testing and rehab.
 
Bob Noel said:
Am I the only one that doesn't think a single DUI disqualifies someone from work?

Assuming that this is the only time he screwed up and drove drunk, should he really get canned?
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As the attendant of the local 7-11? Nope.

As the head of the FAA? Yep.
 
Jim Logajan said:
But non-fatal.

On the other hand, last night I just finished reading "Flying the Mountains" by Fletcher Anderson, in which he seems to do a good job of passing on advice on the subject of the book's title. That advice also included warnings about low canyon flying, why you shouldn't do it, and if you must, why you should note where wires cross them prior to attempting such flights. Unfortunately the author died while flying low in a canyon and running into a wire crossing it. I would still recommend the book and its advice.
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Sigh.. Sparky Imeson too.
 
Will the "Screwing the Pooch Society" have a new poster child?

dmccormack said:
This thread's too easy.

Here's how it should end: Boss. Wrong side of road. Dumb. Higher Standard. Buh-bye.
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I don't drink, I don't like drunks, and I especially don't like people who feed at the public trough. I do however, question our delight in persecuting and condemning someone who was simply doing what most everyone has done at one time or another in the course of their lives.

Why should a persons entire career be destroyed over one simple act of being human? So, for one night his judgment was impaired and he made a wrong choice, is that really cause to destroy an otherwise good man?

Sure, fine the heck out of him, make him attend a few classes, I agree, he should pay a penalty,but I do not agree that penalty should destroy his life, nor his career.

If he has done it before, or does it again, all bets are off.

John
 
Jim Logajan said:
But non-fatal.
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How fortunate is that. Too many people have been wrong place, wrong time when it comes to drunk drivers. Twice I have had my vehicle totaled by a drunk driver. I knew 3 people who died in the prime of their life after being hit by a drunk driver. Zero tolerance usually makes little sense but when it comes to driving and drinking, any alcohol consumption is inexcusable.

Top officials are held to a higher standard. No excuse.
 
John Baker said:
I don't drink, I don't like drunks, and I especially don't like people who feed at the public trough. I do however, question our delight in persecuting and condemning someone who was simply doing what most everyone has done at one time or another in the course of their lives.

Why should a persons entire career be destroyed over one simple act of being human? So, for one night his judgment was impaired and he made a wrong choice, is that really cause to destroy an otherwise good man?

Sure, fine the heck out of him, make him attend a few classes, I agree, he should pay a penalty,but I do not agree that penalty should destroy his life, nor his career.

If he has done it before, or does it again, all bets are off.
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I think this event falls under that saying about glass houses.
 
John Baker said:
I do however, question our delight in persecuting and condemning someone who was simply doing what most everyone has done at one time or another in the course of their lives.
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That even everyone should have driven drunk, it is no excuse to make even the tiniest allowance for drunk driving.

Why should a persons entire career be destroyed over one simple act of being human? So, for one night his judgment was impaired and he made a wrong choice, is that really cause to destroy an otherwise good man?
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How many air crew have lost their jobs due to a single gross violation of regulation? Babbitt serves as the head of an enforcement administration. The office mandates being held to a higher standard.

Sure, fine the heck out of him, make him attend a few classes, I agree, he should pay a penalty,but I do not agree that penalty should destroy his life, nor his career.
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He can pursue a career outside of an administration which governs a safety sensitive occupation.

If he has done it before, or does it again, all bets are off.

John
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I suspect recidivism among drunk drivers is high. The odds favor this isn't his first time. It would defy the odds-not to mention being supremely unlucky- that a guy commits drunk driving for the very first time in his life and he gets popped. This time he got caught or maybe he had been caught before and this time 'they' didn't let it slip by. Why would it matter if it was his first or not? Drunk driving is drunk driving.
 
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