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 FAA nominee, Bryan Bedford, claimed to possess a commercial pilot license in his official biography and other public descriptions, despite FAA records showing he does not.
After media inquiries, the word "commercial" was removed from Bedford's bio on Republic Airways' website, though he is a licensed private pilot.
The U.S. Department of Transportation stated it was an "administrative error" and denied Bedford ever personally misrepresented his credentials.
It is unclear if this revelation will affect Bedford's confirmation, as he has strong backing from Republicans and the aviation industry, despite concerns from Democrats and pilot unions regarding his stance on pilot experience standards.

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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.