Everyone Looks Forward to a Fresh Face in Charge

The recent announcement and Senate confirmation of Bryan Bedford as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been met with positivity around the water cooler, as aviation groups welcomed him to the task.

Those in the cheaper end of the aviation spectrum, like the Experimental Aviation Association, have no complaints (for now). Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO, said “We congratulate Bryan Bedford on his confirmation as the new Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration. There is a long list of challenges as we seek to maintain America’s aviation infrastructure and air traffic system as the finest in the world, and preserve the freedom of flight for individuals who want to be involved in any facet of aviation. We look forward to working with Administrator Bedford and the professionals at the FAA. We also welcome the Administrator and his team to join us this month for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025, to see the entire spectrum of aviation on display as well as the latest innovations.”

On the other end of things, the Air Line Pilots Association isn’t as enthused, thanks to past efforts of Bedford "Congratulations to Mr. Bedford on his confirmation as the next FAA Administrator,” said Captain Jason Ambrosi, ALPA head. “We appreciate that his stated priority will be to support the Administration's plan to modernize our antiquated air traffic control system and look forward to working with him and his team to implement it.”

“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. Maintaining rigorous training requirements and keeping two pilots on the flight deck at all times remain top priorities for ALPA."
That references Bedford’s petition to the FAA that would have allowed specially qualified pilots to fly at 750 hours (instead of the 1,500-hour norm post-2009) back when he was CEO of Republic Airways. ALPA’s opposition is understandable, then, since any reduction in hourly requirements directly impacts the value of their union’s labor – and karmically, anyone already in the cockpit wants everyone coming in after them to meet their same standards to get there. The official party line is about the safety impacts of lower-timers in the right seat, which is much more effective on the regulatory battlefield, anyway.

The General Aviation Manufacturing Association and the National Business Aviation Association extended welcomes of their own, with generally supportive messaging. Both groups referenced Bedford’s intention to ‘oversee the modernization of U.S. aviation infrastructure’ in some way, probably content to have someone well-versed in the commercial side heading up any overhauls. The NBAA cited that recent spate of “high-profile aviation incidents and accidents that highlight the need for significant investments in ATC technologies, staffing, facilities and other infrastructure”, also noting recent legislation that apportioned $12.52 billion as a down payment for ATC upgrades.

Finally, many in the industry thanked the outgoing Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, sending him off with some gratitude for taking the helm for a while. “During a time of transition and unexpected challenges, Chris has provided a steady and strong voice in leading the agency,” said NBAA CEO Ed Bolen. “We thank Chris for his dedication to public service.”

FMI: www.faa.gov