On June 11, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation held a confirmation hearing for the President’s nominee for FAA Administrator, Bryan Bedford, who was previously the CEO of Republic Airways, a regional airline headquartered in Indianapolis. AMA Executive Director Tyler Dobbs was in attendance for the confirmation hearing.
AMA is hopeful that Bedford’s nomination will positively impact AMA’s working relationship with the FAA given Bedford’s history in Indiana, where AMA is headquartered. Other industry partners have also expressed their optimism for Bedford. Dobbs and Bedford, already familiar with the Muncie, Indiana, area through its airport, met after the hearing to discuss the topic of AMA and modelers’ interests.
The next director of the FAA will be tasked with continuing the overhaul of the National Airspace System, improving aviation safety, and integrating UAS operations, among many other goals. We will continue to monitor the confirmation process and keep our members updated on this significant appointment.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or email amagov@modelaircraft.org.