In the past, AVweb has characterized the FAA’s top lawyers as “out of control” and “an evil empire” within the agency. So when the agency’s chief counsel takes steps to improve FAA/industry relations, we think he deserves a pat on the back. That’s exactly what happened in May 1999, when Chief Counsel Nick Garaufis convened a two-day “outreach session” in San Diego, attended by top lawyers from FAA headquarters and all regions, as well as aviation attorneys representing various branches of industry, including general aviation, airlines, and manufacturers. While the press was excluded from this session, AVweb did meet with Garaufis and Deputy Chief Counsel James Whitlow afterward to talk about the meeting. We also obtained an industry’s-eye view from attendees John and Kathleen Yodice. Here are transcripts of both interviews.
