Pilot Frederick E. Tilton named federal air surgeon
FAA Administrator Marion Blakey has selected Frederick E. Tilton, M.D., Master of Public Health, as the FAA's new federal air surgeon. Dr. Tilton had been the deputy federal air surgeon since January 2000 and was named acting federal air surgeon following the retirement of Jon L. Jordan in December 2005.
"Dr. Tilton is an active pilot, and his industry background prior to coming to the FAA, plus his experience while serving as the deputy federal air surgeon for more than five years, equips him for the position to oversee the FAA's medical programs," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "During his tenure as the deputy federal air surgeon, he actively participated in AOPA/FAA talks to improve the efficiency of medical certification processing." The AME-Assisted Special Issuance (AASI) program, an AOPA initiative that the FAA implemented in 2002, was in large part due to Dr. Tilton's support and assistance.
Dr. Tilton graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and entered the Air Force in 1962. He acquired flight time as a pilot and served 11 years in the medical corps, including commanding a clinic and serving as an F-15 physician/pilot technical consultant. He retired after 26 years with the rank of colonel.
From 1988 to 1991, he was the regional medical director at the Boeing Corporation's Wichita, Kansas, facility. In 1991, he was promoted to corporate medical director and moved to Seattle, Washington, where he directed Boeing's overall medical program until 1999.
January 20, 2006
