Former Republic Airways president and CEO Bryan Bedford is shifting over to his new role as FAA administrator after the U.S. Senate voted 53 to 43 yesterday to confirm his appointment as the agency chief for a five-year term. Meanwhile, Chris Rocheleau, who had served as acting FAA administrator, returns to his previously appointed position of deputy administrator.
Bedford’s approval came after the upper chamber, a day earlier, narrowly agreed to invoke cloture, cutting off debate on the nomination.
Most Senate Democrats voted against confirmation, primarily out of concern for Bedford’s past efforts to seek changes in the 1,500-hour flight time requirement for Part 121 pilots. When asked about this during his confirmation hearing, Bedford maintained that as FAA administrator, his focus would be on upgrading the air traffic control system.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York), objecting to his stance on the 1,500-hour rule, called Bedford “the wrong choice for anyone worried about aviation safety, particularly at a time like this.”
However, Bedford, who had led Republic since July 1999 as president and CEO after serving in the same roles at Mesaba Holdings and Business Express Airlines, had received strong support from the other side of the aisle, along with most sectors of the aviation industry.
Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) had stated that “Bedford has demonstrated a laudable commitment to aviation safety. He has grown Republic Airways to be one of the safest and largest, with over 200 aircraft in the fleet, regional airlines in the country.”
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), meanwhile, lauded the confirmation, saying, “I appreciated his dedication to addressing the significant challenges faced by the FAA and our aviation industry.” In the House, both Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri) and aviation subcommittee chairman Troy Nehls (R-Texas) released statements praising the selection, pointing to his experience and understanding of aviation needs.
A cross-section of aviation organizations also supported the confirmation, from Airlines for America and Aerospace Industries Association to a gamut of business and general aviation groups, as well as air traffic controller groups. They cited his expertise and steady leadership that he brings to the office.
Air Line Pilots Association president Jason Ambrosi expressed concern about Bedford’s past support of the 1,500-hour rule but congratulated him on confirmation and said: “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.”
As for Rocheleau, he told AIN after the nomination was announced, “I’m excited about his arrival. I think he’s got a tremendous resume that’s going to help take this agency to the next level.”