Senate Confirms Bryan Bedford As FAA Administrator Leading $12.5B Airspace Modernization

Bryan Bedford was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, tasked with leading critical modernization efforts of the nation's air traffic control system and integrating drones into the National Airspace System. His confirmation vote was largely partisan, with only one Democrat supporting him, due in part to concerns about his past efforts to reduce the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement, a rule enacted after the 2009 Colgan Air crash to enhance flight safety. While Republicans and industry leaders praised Bedford's extensive airline executive experience and steady leadership, Democrats and flight safety advocates criticized his hesitance to fully commit to maintaining current safety regulations. Bedford inherits an FAA facing aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and heightened scrutiny following recent aviation accidents, including a fatal midair collision in January 2025. He has pledged to prioritize a $12.5 billion modernization plan to upgrade outdated radar and telecommunications systems and support safer drone operations. The Air Line Pilots Association emphasized the importance of preserving stringent training standards and pilot safety measures as Bedford steps into his role under President Donald Trump's administration.