WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The top U.S. aviation safety official, Randy Babbitt, took an immediate leave of absence today after he was arrested on a drunk driving charge over the weekend, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said transportation officials and lawyers were discussing the status of Babbitt’s employment.
Babbitt, who is in the middle of a five-year term as FAA administrator and asked to take leave, will be replaced by his deputy, Michael Huerta.
As FAA chief, Babbitt oversees more than 40,000 people and is responsible for the U.S. air traffic system and regulations governing aircraft and crew safety.
Babbitt, 65, was pulled over on Saturday night in Fairfax, Virginia, outside Washington for driving on the wrong side of the road, a police statement said.
He was alone in the car and there was no accident. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and cooperated with authorities, police said.
It was Babbitt’s second driving offense in Fairfax in five years. He was convicted of reckless driving for speeding in 2006 and paid a $500 fine, court records show.
