On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford as the new administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bedford is a 30-year veteran of the aviation industry, having served in leadership positions for Mesaba Airlines, Business Express Airlines, and other regional aviation outfits. Bedford’s confirmation comes at a critical time for the FAA, which has been under increased scrutiny due to safety breaches, particularly the January mid-air collision of an American Airlines flight with a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan International Airport in D.C. Bedford will be tasked with the oversight of the 12.5 billion dollar upgrades to air traffic control systems, as well as securing key personnel to staff the agency.
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Bedford’s confirmation hearings grew contentious, particularly over the “1,500-hour rule,” an FAA regulation that