(1) The Division of Aeronautics shall be a division of the Department of Transportation.

(2)(a) Until December 31, 2017, the chief administrative officer of the division shall be the director, to be known as the Director of Aeronautics, and shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Legislature, with due regard to his or her fitness through aeronautical education and by knowledge of and recent practical experience in aeronautics. The director shall devote full time to the performance of his or her official duties and shall not have any pecuniary interest in, stock in, or bonds of any civil aeronautics enterprise. The director shall, before assuming the duties of the office, take and subscribe an oath, such as is required by state officers. The director shall be bonded or insured as required by section 11-201. The director shall receive such compensation as the Governor, with the approval of the commission, shall determine, subject to the provisions of the legislative appropriations bill.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2018, the chief administrative officer of the division shall be the Director of Aeronautics who shall be appointed by and report directly to the Director-State Engineer, subject to confirmation by the Legislature, with due regard to his or her fitness through aeronautical education and by knowledge of and recent practical experience in aeronautics. The director shall devote full time to the performance of his or her official duties and shall not have any pecuniary interest in, stock in, or bonds of any civil aeronautics enterprise. The director shall, before assuming the duties of the office, take and subscribe an oath, such as is required by state officers.