Bryan Bedford, CEO of the regional airline Republic Airways, has been confirmed to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The appointment puts Bedford in charge of the FAA at a time when the airline industry must sure up operations after a string of high-profile plane crashes, including a January incident that killed 67 people.
Bedford’s appointment was applauded by Republicans who say he brings valuable industry experience thanks to his role as CEO of Republic Airways. There were also many vocal opponents of Bedford’s appointment.
In advance of today’s Senate vote on Bedford’s confirmation, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued a statement criticizing his appointment, which she opposed.
“The next Federal Aviation Administrator cannot have a light touch approach to aviation safety,” Cantwell said. “They need to provide the leadership at the FAA to ensure America is the gold standard for aviation safety. Mr. Bedford’s willingness to change safety policies like reducing pilot training hours or considering single pilot cockpits is the opposite of the aggressive oversight the agency needs at this time.”
Earlier, during Bedford’s nomination hearing, Cantwell emphasized that what’s needed is ” an Administrator who is an unwavering champion for safety, who strengthens safety standards, rather than seeking a way around them.”
In particular, Bedford refused during questioning to commit to not weaken the industry’s 1,500-hour pilot training rule if confirmed. As CEO of Republic Airways, Bedford unsuccessfully petitioned the FAA to allow pilots to be hired with only 750 hours under a training program designed by his airline.
Cantwell is critical of Bedford’s stance on this issue, along with his refusal to recuse himself from granting his own company an exemption from the safety requirement for his full term.
The Families of Flight 3407 also oppose Bedford’s appointment. They too have cited his past efforts to circumvent the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement as cause for concern. Captain Sully Sullenberger, often referred to as an American hero who famously landed a plane on the Hudson River, has also been a vocal opponent.
Sullenberger released his own statement on the matter, strongly criticizing Bedford’s nomination and pointing out that the airline CEO has a poor record on aviation safety. Like others, Sullenberger was also critical of Bedford’s lack of commitment to protect the 1,500-hour rule.
In a post on social media Sullenberger said that “with the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator, my life’s work could be undone.”
The1,500-hour rule for pilot training and other safety precautions was passed by Congress after the 2009 Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York. That incident involved a pilot who had not received any training on how to recover from a stall in the aircraft. As a result of that pilot’s actions, the plane with 49 passengers crashed into a home. A man in the home also perished in the incident.
The Associated Press reported that families of the victims of the Colgan crash joined Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference in Washington D.C. to voice their fears related to Bedford’s selection.
Republicans who support Bedford have said the 1500-hour rule is an emotional topic but that Bedford is the right man for the job. Republican Sen. Todd Young, said Bedford’s approach to safety is clearly “analytical,” prioritizing what “we ascertain leads to the best safety for passengers,” according to the Associated Press.
The Air Traffic Controllers Union has also expressed support for Bedford and particularly his focus on modernizing an outdated system.
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