EXHIBIT NO. 16 TO FORM 8-K

May 9, 2003

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20549

Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated May 9, 2003, of The Fairchild Corporation
and are in agreement with the statements contained in the first paragraph. We
have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant
contained therein.

                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP