Bedford nomination to lead FAA welcomed

Pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Bedford, a private pilot with multiengine and instrument airplane ratings, would fill the vacancy left by the January 20 resignation of Michael Whitaker.

Fellow airline executives expressed confidence in Bedford's ability to lead the agency, including United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who praised Bedford's "relentless focus on safety," Aviation Week reported.

AOPA President Darren Pleasance echoed the positive sentiments voiced by other general aviation stakeholders, including the National Business Aviation Association.

“We are pleased the Trump Administration has nominated a pilot and someone who has practical experience with our nation’s air traffic control system to lead the FAA. Should Mr. Bedford be confirmed by the Senate, we look forward to working with him to advance general aviation in the United States and to modernize our air traffic control system so that the FAA’s controllers have the best tools available to operate the safest aviation system in the world,” said Pleasance.