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February 16, 2022
To the great people of the FAA:
I am writing to you today with mixed emotions and a heavy heart.
I wish I could have waited to tell you tomorrow, but I wanted you to hear it from me first. After 43 years in aviation and the last few years leading the premier aviation authority in the world, I’ve made the very difficult decision to step down as FAA Administrator, effective March 31. Over the past several years, my family has been a source of tremendous encouragement, strength and support.
Nevertheless, after sometimes long and unavoidable periods of separation from my loved ones during the pandemic, it is time to devote my full time and attention to them. As I wrote in my letter to President Biden, it is time to go home.
Although my heart is heavy, I am tremendously proud of everything we have accomplished together over the past several years. The agency is in a better place than it was two years ago, and we are positioned for great success. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside you. All I ever wanted growing up was to serve my country as an aviator, and to think I got the chance to live out that dream is nothing short of amazing. Aviation gave me more than I could have ever hoped for.
Most importantly, I could not be more proud of you. Each and every one of you has my unwavering admiration and respect. Together, we have done the hard work to reinvigorate our safety culture. We have proven to ourselves and to the world how flexible and resilient we are. Working together, we have overcome some of the toughest challenges the agency and the aerospace sector have ever faced. We’ve built a stronger, more collaborative, inclusive and open culture within the agency. I believe we are stronger than ever. And now we are positioned to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that lie before us.
Finally, I want you to know how much I value each and every one of you, and your families. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your leader. I wish all of you continued great success and will be cheering you on. And I will always have your back.
With heartfelt gratitude and respect,
Steve
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