Solid Leadership Needed To Correct Safety Issues, Guide ATC Rebuild

The U.S. Senate confirmed Bryan Bedford on July 9 to become the next Administrator of the FAA, in a near party-line 53-43 vote. Bedford takes over the agency during a critical time when safety issues have become prominent and Congress has approved initial funding for the complete overhaul of the air traffic control system that is slated to be completed in the next 3-4 years.

Industry leaders and Republicans praised Bedford’s nomination while pointing to his extensive experience leading several regional airlines for 30 years. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said the FAA is “sorely in need of his steady leadership and executive experience.”

Democrats and flight safety advocates opposed his selection, primarily based on his lack of commitment to the 1,500-hour requirement for pilots that was put into place by Congress after a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo, New York.

During his confirmation hearing Bedford declined to commit to upholding that rule, saying only that he would not “have anything that will reduce safety.”

In the Colgan crash near Buffalo that led to the creation of the 1,500-hour rule, both pilots had more than 2,000 hours of flight time so that would have made no difference in that instance. In addition, the NTSB did not conclude the pilots were inexperienced.

Bedford has said the rule is wrongly focused on the quantity, rather than the quality, of training.

During his hearing, Bedford said, “I’ve been a supporter of 1,500 hours, contrary to what some of the press might say, because it did require structured training … that requires at least another 30 hours of classroom curriculum, requires at least another 10 hours of advanced flight simulation training and requires successful completion of a written exam and a multi-engine check ride.

“So there, I am a big supporter of structured training as opposed to pure time … and, for the record, the FAA agrees.”

Senator Todd Young (R-IN) is also on the committee and said the 1,500-hour  rule is an emotional topic but steadfastly maintained that Bedford’s approach toward safety is “analytical” and prioritizes what “we ascertain leads to the best safety for passengers.”

Young said, “All you have to do is look at his credentials and his testimony to be persuaded that he’s the right person for the job.”

Numerous other aviation industry organizations also praised Bedford’s confirmation.

FMI:  www.faa.gov/