Following the tragic American Airlines and U.S. Army helicopter collision that resulted in 67 fatalities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with investigating the incident and enhancing future safety measures. However, the agency is currently operating without an administrator. Michael Whitaker, who served as administrator since October 2023, resigned earlier this month, his departure effective January 20th, the day President Trump assumed office. The FAA website indicates that both the Administrator and Deputy Administrator positions are vacant.

Whitaker described his tenure as both the “best and most challenging job” of his career. However, his time in office was marked by considerable challenges, notably a public dispute with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. In September 2024, Musk publicly urged Whitaker’s resignation via X, stating, “He needs to resign,” alongside a picture of Whitaker. This followed Musk’s earlier criticism of the FAA, claiming it was hindering humanity’s space exploration aspirations. He declared, “The fundamental problem is that humanity will forever be confined to Earth unless there is radical reform at the FAA!”

This public conflict stemmed from SpaceX launch-related fines issued by the FAA. A September 17, 2024, FAA statement detailed SpaceX’s use of an unapproved launch control room and failure to conduct a required safety poll before a June 2023 launch, resulting in a $175,000 fine for each violation. An additional $283,009 fine was levied for using unapproved rocket fuel. FAA Chief Counsel Marc Nichols emphasized that safety is paramount and non-compliance carries consequences.

Musk responded with X posts and a statement announcing SpaceX’s intention to sue the FAA for regulatory overreach. SpaceX also sent a letter to Congress protesting the fines, citing the FAA’s inability to keep pace with the commercial spaceflight industry and alleged misallocation of resources.

Whitaker responded during a House of Representatives hearing, stating that SpaceX, despite operating for 20 years, needs to prioritize safety, including implementing safety and whistleblower programs. He highlighted SpaceX’s launch without a permit and emphasized that fines are the only available tool to ensure safety compliance. He also delayed SpaceX’s fifth Starship rocket launch until at least November 2024, citing the lack of a proper sonic boom impact study and the use of unclean water in the launch pad cooling system. SpaceX contested these claims, arguing that environmental regulations were being unreasonably applied.

SpaceX further addressed the situation in a letter to Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), suggesting that the FAA’s scrutiny of SpaceX was disproportionate compared to that of Boeing, whose defective Starliner spacecraft had left two NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station. SpaceX denied violating any laws. The fifth Starship launch ultimately proceeded on October 13, 2024.

Whitaker hasn’t commented publicly on whether Musk’s criticisms influenced his resignation. Musk, despite reported denial of a West Wing office, has made no public reaction to Whitaker’s departure. The timing of the FAA administrator’s absence, amidst the ongoing grief surrounding the recent tragedy, presents a negative image for the new administration.