Bryan Bedford confirmed as FAA administrator

The Senate has confirmed Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator.

The vote followed party lines, with all 53 Senate Republicans supporting Bedford and the 43 Democrats who voted opposing him.

Bryan Bedford

Bedford led regional carrier Republic Airways from 1999 until this year. Republic, which operates flights for the American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express brands, is the second-largest U.S. regional airline, behind SkyWest. 

In remarks during Bedford's Senate Transportation Committee confirmation hearing on June 11, committee chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) lauded the executive for his development of Republic's innovative Lift pilot training academy in 2018, and he also praised Bedford for his endorsement as Republic CEO of alternatives to the 1,500-hour flight training rule that applies to new commercial airline pilots in the U.S.

In 2022, Republic applied for permission from the FAA for Lift students who completed a flight training program specifically tailored for airline flying to be able to co-pilot a commercial flight after 750 hours. 

Opponents of the 1,500-hour rule say it replaces tailored training with rote flying, often of small aircraft that aren't similar to commercial jets. Proponents say the 1,500-hour threshold, which went into effect in 2013, has made U.S. commercial flying safer by amping up the experience of incoming pilots. 

Bedford's history on the highly politicized rule was a primary factor for Democrats' unanimous opposition to his nomination. 

In a statement released Tuesday, the top transportation committee Democrat Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) cited Bedford's refusal during the June 9 hearing to commit to not weakening the 1,500-hour rule as a reason she would vote no.

Bedford replaces acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau, who Trump appointed in January. The agency's last confirmed administrator was Michael Whitaker, who stepped down ahead of Trump's inauguration.