WASHINGTON — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker has directed the executive director of Air Traffic Safety Oversight (AOV) to directly report both to him, as well as to the Associate Administrator of Aviation Safety (AVS). 

The move was recommended by the independent Safety Review Team to strengthen the connection between the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) and AVS to address aviation safety risks.

“Direct, candid feedback is crucial to constant improvement in aviation safety,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “And that is why I have provided a direct line from the person who independently assesses the safety of air navigation to me, the head of the agency.”

Nick Fuller is the new AOV executive director. He is responsible for directing the independent, risk-based, data-driven safety oversight of air navigation services. Fuller is the former deputy vice president of ATO Safety and Technical Training and has managed air traffic operations at multiple levels. He began his career as an air traffic control specialist for the United States Navy. 

The FAA commissioned the Safety Review Team following the agency’s Safety Summit in March. In addition to providing a direct line from the AOV executive director to Administrator Whitaker, the agency has also taken several actions to increase its air traffic controller workforce.