Hank Krakowski became the Chief Operating Officer of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic Organization on October 1, 2007. He reports directly to the FAA Administrator.
As COO, Krakowski is responsible for all aspects of the U.S. air traffic control system — its operation and maintenance, financial performance, research and acquisition of new systems and equipment, and planning for the air traffic control system of the future. The ATO includes 38,000 of FAA's total workforce of some 48,000 employees.
He comes to the FAA from United Air Lines where he spent nearly 30 years in a variety of senior management positions. His last position there was as Vice President of Flight Operations where he was responsible for flight operations, flight training and standards, technology and labor relations.
Previously, as United's Vice President of Corporate Safety, Security and Quality Assurance, he was responsible for managing all aspects of corporate and flight safety, security and regulatory compliance. This included environmental and occupational safety and all counter-terrorism and corporate security programs, as well as United's corporate emergency response programs and internal evaluation programs. On 9/11, he was in charge of United's operations control as Director of Flight Operations Control.
Krakowski is a 737 captain and has also flown the Boeing 747 and 727, as well as the Douglas DC-10 and DC-8. He is also an experienced aircraft dispatcher and certified as an airframe and power-plant mechanic.
In addition, he served as co-chair of the Commercial Aviation Safety Team, chairman of the Star Alliance Safety Advisory Group, and a member of the Air Transport Association Safety Council. He also has held numerous positions with the Air Line Pilots Association.
Before joining United, he worked for Midway Airlines and Air Illinois Airlines. For five years, he flew as an aerobatic pilot on the air show circuit with the Lima Lima aerobatics team.
He holds a master's degree in business and management from National-Louis University and a bachelor's degree in aircraft maintenance engineering from St. Louis University's Parks College.