Report: FAA Nominee Bedford Does Not Have Commercial Pilot License He Once Claimed

CEO’s official biography altered after POLITICO inquiry.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 03:21 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford. [Courtesy: Republic Airways]

Key Takeaways:

President Trump's nominee to lead the FAA, Bryan Bedford, has falsely claimed in his official biography and other public contexts to hold a commercial pilot license.
After inquiries, Bedford's company bio was altered to remove the "commercial" claim, with the U.S. Department of Transportation stating it was an "administrative error" and that Bedford is a licensed private pilot.
Despite the credential discrepancy and concerns from Democrats and pilot unions regarding his stance on pilot experience standards, Bedford's confirmation prospects are bolstered by Republican and industry support.

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President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FAA does not have the commercial pilot license he long claimed in his official biography, according to a report from POLITICO.

Bryan Bedford’s bio page on the website of Republic Airways, which he has led as CEO since 1999, once said he “holds commercial, multi-engine, and instrument ratings.” But the FAA database that contains information about pilot credentials does not list a commercial license for Bedford, POLITICO found.