Former Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford has been confirmed as the new administrator of the FAA.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Bedford in a 53-43 vote Wednesday afternoon.
Bedford replaces Chris Rocheleau, who has served as acting FAA administrator since January following the resignation of Joe Biden appointee Michael Whitaker.
Up until recently, Bedford served as president and CEO of Indiana-based Republic, positions he held since joining the airline in 1999. He retired July 2 and was replaced by chairman David Grizzle.
President Donald Trump tapped Bedford to serve as the next FAA administrator in March, citing his depth of industry experience.
Commitment to Safety
While Bedford’s nomination won support from the major U.S. airlines, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and various industry groups, his positions on safety regulations, including the FAA’s 1,500-hour rule, generated pushback from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and congressional Democrats.
The rule requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time for first officers seeking the airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. During a confirmation hearing in June, Bedford did not directly respond to a question asking if he would stand by the regulation, though he said he would not compromise safety at the FAA.
ALPA contends that aviation fatalities are down more than 99 percent since the rule took effect in 2012.
Bedford also voiced misgivings about the airline industry’s mandatory retirement age for pilots, currently at 65.
“Those [who] wish to serve having an arbitrary mandatory retirement age doesn’t seem like the right answer to me,” he said during the hearing.
Bedford also faced criticism over a biography on Republic’s website that claimed he had a commercial pilot license (CPL). Bedford is a certificated private pilot but never obtained a commercial credential.
After the issue was brought to light by Politico, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a statement defending Bedford, and his biography on Republic’s website was altered.
FAA in Flux
Bedford takes the helm of the FAA at a pivotal time for the agency. It is working to reverse a shortage of roughly 3,500 air traffic controllers while also overhauling the nation’s ATC equipment and physical infrastructure.
A multibillion-dollar plan put forward by the Transportation Department in May envisions building six new FAA ATC centers and 15 towers by 2028, which would be the largest and most rapid ATC buildout since the 1960s.
Bedford has said he will review the department’s plan and “identify where additional leadership or coordination” can be provided.
The FAA is also overseeing safety and quality processes at Boeing following quality control problems with the 787 Dreamliner and the blowout of a door plug on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 in 2024.
