FAA History Lesson -- December 4

From the FAA Historical Chronology, 1926-1996...

”Dec 4, 1991: Pan American World Airways ceased flying after 64 years of operations. On the previous day, Delta Air Lines had told a bankruptcy court that it would not supply further financing for Pan Am (see Jan 8, 1991). At an auction of Pan Am assets on Dec 9, United emerged as the largest purchaser, bidding successfully on most of the defunct airline's Latin American routes. Such remaining Pan Am property as industrial and office equipment was auctioned at Miami airport on Aug 4-7, 1992. (See Sep 26, 1996.) “

Meanwhile, on board the Titanic, the band played on.

From the FAA Historical Chronology, 1926-1996...

”Dec 4, 1991: James B. Busey left the post of FAA Administrator and became Deputy Secretary of Transportation (a position which he held until resigning effective Jun 19, 1992). On Busey's departure from FAA, Deputy Administrator Barry L. Harris became Acting Administrator, and Executive Director for System Operations Joseph M. Del Balzo became Acting Deputy Administrator (see Jun 27, 1992). On Dec 6, 1991, President Bush announced the choice of DOT Secretary Samuel L. Skinner to become his chief of staff on Dec 16, replacing John H. Sununu (see Feb 24, 1992). Busey became Acting Secretary upon Skinner's departure from DOT. “

Don Brown
December 4, 2007