FAA head criticized for taking new job

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Watchdog groups and others have criticized the top U.S. aviation regulator for taking a position with a trade group that lobbies for aviation.

Marion Blakey, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, has been criticized for accepting a position in July as president and chief executive of Aerospace Industries Association in, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Blakey is scheduled to leave the FAA Thursday and begin her new job Nov. 12. She said she has been "scrupulously careful" to follow federal ethics rules and avoid direct involvement with matters relating to her new employers.

"It raises some pretty serious ethics questions," said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

The sentiment was echoed by Scott Amey, general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight, who said Blakey's actions represent the public's "worst fear" of government.

"Under the Bush administration, the revolving door has spun out of control," said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who has pushed for stricter rules on officials leaving government positions.