US air chief held for drink-driving

WASHINGTON – The top US aviation safety official was arrested over the weekend and charged with drink-driving, police said.

WASHINGTON – The top US aviation safety official was arrested over the weekend and charged with drink-driving, police said.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administrator Randy Babbitt, (65) was pulled over on Saturday night in Fairfax, Virginia, for driving on the wrong side of the road, a police statement said.

Mr Babbitt was alone in the car and there was no accident. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and co-operated with authorities, police said.

As FAA chief, Mr Babbitt is responsible for overseeing the nation’s air traffic system and regulations for aircraft and crew safety. He was a pilot for Eastern Airlines for 25 years. – (Reuters)