image: Republic Airways
Bryan Bedford, the longtime CEO of Republic Airways, is set to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee on June 11 as President Donald Trump’s nominee for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The hearing comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. aviation, following the deadliest domestic air disaster in over two decades and amid widespread calls for modernization and reform at the agency.
Bedford’s Aviation Background
Bedford brings over 30 years of airline industry experience, having led Republic Airways since 1999 and previously serving as CEO of Mesaba Holdings and Business Express Airlines. Under his leadership, Republic grew from a regional carrier with $85 million in revenue to a major player operating more than 200 aircraft and generating over $1.3 billion annually. Bedford is also a certified pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, recognized multiple times as Airline Executive of the Year.
Key Issues: The 1,500-Hour Rule and Workforce Concerns
A central point of contention in Bedford’s nomination is his stance on pilot certification requirements—specifically, the 1,500-hour flight time rule for commercial pilots. Bedford and Republic Airways (in agreement with other regional airlines) previously petitioned the FAA for an exemption to this rule in 2022, arguing it constrains the pilot supply and delays training, but the agency rejected the request. This position has drawn sharp criticism from Senate Democrats and pilot unions, who argue that the rule is a critical safety measure enacted after the 2009 Colgan Air crash. Politico reports that Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), ranking member of the Commerce aviation panel, has publicly insisted that any FAA administrator must uphold the 1,500-hour requirement.
The hearing is also expected to address the FAA’s ongoing workforce challenges. The agency has faced a wave of resignations and early probationary firings, raising concerns about its ability to manage air traffic and maintain safety standards. Lawmakers are likely to press Bedford on how he plans to address staffing shortages and outages.
Industry Support and Reform Agenda
Despite controversy over pilot training standards, Bedford’s nomination has been widely praised by aviation industry groups. Organizations like the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Airlines for America, and the National Business Aviation Association have cited his operational expertise and commitment to safety. President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have emphasized Bedford’s mandate to modernize the FAA, tackle air traffic control reform, and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements.
Leadership Transition and What’s Next
Bedford’s nomination follows a period of significant leadership turnover at the FAA. Mike Whitaker, appointed by President Biden and confirmed in 2023, resigned on January 20, 2025. Chris Rocheleau, a 20-year FAA veteran and former National Business Aviation Association COO, now serves as Acting Administrator. Rocheleau’s interim leadership began just after a tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., which intensified scrutiny on agency safety protocols.
The agency has not had an Administrator serve their full five year appointment since Michael Huerta left the office in 2018.
If confirmed, Bedford would take over an agency at a crossroads—balancing the need for regulatory stability with the Trump administration’s push for efficiency and modernization, including the integration of advanced technologies and new entrants like drones into the national airspace.
Timeline and Next Steps
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June 11: Senate Commerce Committee hearing for Bryan Bedford’s nomination.
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Post-hearing: The committee will vote on whether to advance the nomination to the full Senate.
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If approved, the full Senate will vote on Bedford’s confirmation. The timeline for a final vote depends on the pace of Senate deliberations and any political opposition encountered.
Until a permanent administrator is confirmed, Chris Rocheleau will continue as Acting FAA Administrator, guiding the agency through ongoing safety reviews and modernization efforts.
Bryan Bedford’s nomination marks a critical juncture for the FAA as it faces both immediate safety challenges and long-term modernization demands. The outcome of his Senate hearing will shape not only the agency’s leadership but also the future direction of U.S. aviation policy—especially regarding pilot training standards, workforce management, and the integration of emerging aviation technologies.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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