Bobby Sturgell was named FAA Acting Administrator on September 14, 2007. He had been FAA's Deputy Administrator since 2003.
As Administrator, Sturgell regulates commercial and private aviation in the United States. He leads the 43,000 FAA employees who operate and advance the safety of the world's largest air traffic control system and most complex network of airports. He also oversees the agency's day-to-day operations, capital programs and modernization efforts.
Before joining FAA, Sturgell was the senior policy advisor at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He was the focal point for analysis and coordination of NTSB's safety recommendations, policies, programs and safety initiatives.
Sturgell came to the federal sector after flying for United Airlines, where he was a flight operations supervisor and line pilot. He flew the B-757 and B-767 on domestic and international routes. Sturgell also practiced aviation law in Washington, D.C.
A former naval aviator, Sturgell was an instructor at Top Gun, the Navy's Fighter Weapons School. He has flown the F-14, F-18, F-16 and A-4. Sturgell is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Virginia School of Law. He retired from the Navy as a commander. Sturgell, his wife Lynn and son reside in the Washington, D.C., area.