Shrugging aside less-than-factual self-reporting of his pilot credentials, the Senate confirmed Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator today. The vote was 53-43. There was Democratic dissent based largely on Bedford falsely claiming to hold a commercial pilot rating—he had passed the written test but never completed the flight test portion of the rating.
Current Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, who took over the reins from Michael Whitaker after President Trump took office on Jan. 20, will assume the role of Deputy Administrator.
Aviation industry advocacy groups, including the National Business Aviation Association and Airlines for America, have praised Bedford as a good choice for the position. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO James Viola said: “GAMA congratulates FAA Administrator Bedford on his confirmation. His decades of industry experience and knowledge, combined with his strong leadership skills, will be called upon to strengthen the agency and oversee the modernization of U.S aviation technology infrastructure. We are eager to work with the Administrator and the entire FAA team during this critical time as we work together to strengthen aviation safety and advance innovation.”
A spokesperson for Homer Simson has confirmed that Homer is deeply disappointed about the fact, that he was not appointed.
No reason yet to think Bedford won’t take the job seriously. If he listens to everyone, not just the big players, and runs the place with honesty and common sense, he could still leave things better than he found them. The problem is, under this administration, it rarely feels like real reform. We’ve got three and a half years to see which way it goes.
Bedford is without a doubt well aware of the tie-down cords now attached to his mind, emotions and person with the new job, and that all actions, all initiatives, all suggestions will come only from Daddy - chief Puppeteer - who will manipulate all the new marionettes under his smallish fingers - and who are required to pledge their loyalty to in writing - will now manifest the aviation changes and restructuring laid out in P2025.
Homer is too independent minded, wouldn’t have had a chance
Unfortunately, he looks to be exactly what we expect from a typical political appointee.
His appointment confirmed that:
" he is a “good moral charachter”
Did the FAA change the definition of “good moral character” or will they…?