Senate approves Bryan Bedford to lead FAA despite pilot training rule criticism

The US Senate has approved US President Donald Trump’s choice, Bryan Bedford, to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), placing the former Republic Airlines CEO in charge of overseeing the safety of air travel in the United States. 

On July 9, 2025, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved Bedford’s nomination with a roll call vote of 53–43.  

Before the Senate vote on Bedford’s confirmation, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell expressed her opposition to his nomination. 

“We must have an Administrator who is an unwavering champion for safety, who strengthens safety standards, rather than seeking a way around them,” Cantwell said.  

Cantwell mentioned that during his recent confirmation hearing in June 2025, Bedford did not agree to uphold the 1,500-hour pilot training rule if he is confirmed. The senator also pointed out Bedford’s failure and his unwillingness to step back from giving his own company an exemption from this important safety rule. 

Democratic US Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy said in a statement that the confirmation of Bedford as FAA Administrator is a “slap in the face to all who care about airline safety.”  

“The confirmation of Bryan Bedford to lead the FAA is a decision that is not only dangerous to the flying public, but a slap in the face to the families of Colgan Air Flight 3407,” Kennedy said. “These families have worked tirelessly and successfully to advocate for the 1,500-hour flight hour rule – a requirement Mr. Bedford failed to commit to upholding during his Senate confirmation hearing.” 

In contrast, US Senator, Republican Jerry Moran voted to confirm Bedford as the next FAA Administrator, saying he “appreciated” Bedford’s dedication to “addressing the significant challenges faced by the FAA and our aviation industry.” 

Meanwhile, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president Jason Ambrosi said that the organization backs Bedford’s goal to update the US air traffic control system but also raised concerns about his previous attempts to reduce pilot training standards. 

“We have concerns about his past efforts to lower pilot training requirements, and we will continue to bring the line pilot’s perspective to any discussions about changing these life-saving measures and hold him to his word that safety is his top priority,” Ambrosi said. 

Bedford has more than 30 years of experience in the airline industry, having joined Republic Airways in July 1999. Additionally, he is a former president and CEO of both Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines. He was first nominated to lead the FAA by President Trump in March 2025. The post Senate approves Bryan Bedford to lead FAA despite pilot training rule criticism appeared first on AeroTime.

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