I hate that line of questioning, because it's all about the Shtick. I was a lot more convinced by Senator Cruz's simple questions - Did you ever fly a plane? Did you ever work for an airline? Did you ever employ a mechanic? etc.
Most of them are pretty basic questions,
If this guy is applying to be head of a major department that has serious consequences as as we all see now, you should know something about aviation, and especially when arriving to a senate hearing, c'mon be prepared!
What's his plan he'll learn on the job?
Why should heading the faa be any less than being a Ceo of any corporate company, try this at an interview.