FAA Head Randy Babbitt Resigns After Drunk Driving Arrest

Randy Babbitt, head administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, handed in his resignation Tuesday following charges of driving under the influence in Fairfax, Va. on Dec. 3.

In a statement on the FAA's Web site, Babbitt said, Today I submitted my resignation to Secretary Ray LaHood and it has been accepted. Serving as FAA Administrator has been an absolute honor and the highlight of my professional career. But I am unwilling to let anything cast a shadow on the outstanding work done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by my colleagues at the FAA. They run the finest and safest aviation system in the world and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work alongside them. I am confident in their ability to successfully carry out all of the critical safety initiatives underway and the improvements that the FAA has planned. I also want to thank Secretary LaHood for his leadership and dedication to the safety of the traveling public.

Babbitt, 65, was caught driving down the wrong side of the road at 10:30 p.m. along Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. He faces a Feb. 2 court appearance.

Babbitt was a pilot on Eastern Airlines and the president of the Air Line Pilots Association before being taken on to head the FAA in June 2009 by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. There is no word yet on Babbitt's possible replacement.