Police in Fairfax, Virginia, across the Potomac River from the Nation’s Capital, said Randy Babbitt, FAA Administrator, was arrested Saturday night about 10:30 p.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated. He requested and was granted a leave of absence, with Deputy Administrator Michael Huerta now serving as acting administrator.
Babbitt, 65, was seen driving on the wrong side of Old Lee Highway, a major artery in the area, according to police reports. He was the only individual in the auto and there was no accident or injury. He was taken to the county jail and later released on a personal recognizance bond.
Babbitt is a veteran pilot, having flown for the old Eastern Airlines for 25 years. Prior to his appointment to the FAA post, he was president of the Airline Pilots Association.
I agree – no excuses. But it will be interesting to see EXACTLY where this occurred. One report said Fairfax City, VA (an independent city surrounded by Fairfax County.) This historic old VA town has a confusing (to me) combination of one-way streets that pop-up through the center of town then return to two-way outside town. At night (or if impaired), Babbit may have felt he was on a one-way street when it was in fact two-way. Only a theory.
This is so unfortunate ! A lot of years and a lot of responsibility. There is a breaking point for each one of us.. No excuses,but it’s a fact, and the stress of being a righteous man can manifest it’s ugliness in many ways.
b. mcdonald