ATC
FAA Appoints Former Counsel To Lead Air Traffic Organization
Nearly three months after Henry “Hank” Krakowski was forced out as head of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO), the agency named acting head David Gri
David Grizzle, formerly FAA chief counsel, has been named COO of the agency’s Air Traffic Organization. (Photo: FAA)
David Grizzle, formerly FAA chief counsel, has been named COO of the agency’s Air Traffic Organization. (Photo: FAA)

Nearly three months after Henry “Hank” Krakowski was forced out as head of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO), the agency named acting head David Grizzle permanently to the post. Krakowski resigned as ATO COO on April 14, following a series of highly publicized incidents in which air traffic controllers were found sleeping on duty.

The incidents led the FAA to double up on controllers during the midnight shift at 27 airports, and to change its scheduling practices to allow controllers more time to rest between shifts. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt and Paul Rinaldi, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca), embarked on a “call to action” series of visits to air-traffic-control facilities to emphasize safety and professionalism.