The Air Line Pilots Association expressed reservations over previous attempts to lower required pilot hours by Republic Airways.
Republic CEO Bryan Bedford (Photo: Republic Airways | YouTube)
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has expressed reservations about President Donald Trump nominating Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to head the Federal Aviation Administration.
Bedford was nominated by Trump on Monday, drawing praise from several industry organizations including Airlines for America and the Regional Airline Association.
But not everyone is happy with the nomination.
ALPA President Jason Ambrosi said in an emailed statement Tuesday that the union had “concerns” about the nominee.
“We have concerns about the nominee’s past efforts to lower pilot training and safety standards and we look forward to hearing his assurances that he will maintain the current requirements,” Ambrosi said. “We also look forward to hearing his views on a key America First issue that will protect aviation safety and advance our nation’s economic interests.”
“Specifically, the effort by some foreign airlines and manufacturers to operate with fewer than two pilots on the flight deck, which would undermine aviation safety and put the U.S. at an enormous competitive disadvantage,” he continued. “These issues and his plans to help the President and Secretary Duffy modernize our antiquated air traffic control system are of paramount importance to us.”
ALPA’s concern over a reduction in safety standards appears to stem from a previous attempt by Republic to address a shortage of pilots during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the pandemic, the regional airline requested for an exemption to an FAA rule requiring 1,500 hours of flight time for first officers.
As reported by AIN in 2022, this request would later be denied by the FAA, which disagreed with Republic’s argument that a reduction in required flight hours would help address a “perceived” pilot shortage.
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