FAA Administrator Blakey Keynote Address: The Unexpected

Marion C. Blakey, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), delivered a keynote address on February 28, 2006, the opening day of the FAA's 31st Annual Federal Aviation Forecast Conference. The theme of the two-day conference is "Survival and Growth in Today's World." U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta also delivered a keynote address along with luncheon speaker Herb Kelleher, chairman of Southwest Airlines.

FAA Administrator Blakey's speech was entitled "The Unexpected" and alerts against the risks she perceives of doing the same old thing. We've published the entire text of her speech below. While clearly addressing an audience of airline industry insiders, this speech is notable for the lack of significant reference to general aviation and the role it plays in the nation's air transportation system.

Marion C. Blakey , Washington, D.C.

February 28, 2006

Good morning, and thank you, Sharon.
I have to start with an observation about some breaking news. You know, with an industry that's changing right before our eyes, we're facing new and different challenges every day. Just yesterday, we got some news that was unfortunate. As some of you know by now, the bid for Bill Voss to become Secretary General of ICAO missed by the narrowest of margins. It was hard fought on our front. But you know that comes with the territory. Nevertheless, our pursuit of the advancement of aviation safety remains firm and our support of ICAO is unwavering. And let there be no doubt that other challenges