Express concern about his past attempt to weaken the pilot qualifications standard
July 9, 2025, Buffalo, NY – The Families of Flight 3407 today voiced deep concern following
the Senate’s confirmation of Bryan Bedford as Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). The group pointed out that as CEO of Republic Airways, Mr. Bedford
sought an exemption to the 1500-hour pilot training requirement for pilots trained through his
airline’s in-house program — a request that was ultimately denied by the FAA Administrator at
the time. This training standard is a core component of the Airline Safety Act of 2010,
landmark legislation enacted in direct response to the Flight 3407 tragedy and widely
recognized as one of the most significant aviation safety reforms in decades. With Mr. Bedford
assuming the role of FAA Administrator, the Families are concerned that he will now have the
authority to revisit a request that was previously rejected in the interest of public safety.
With today’s aviation system facing ongoing challenges — including persistent strains on air
traffic control and an uptick in serious near-miss incidents — the Families emphasized that this
is the time to reaffirm, not relax, hard-earned safety standards.
“During our recent meeting with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, he assured us that
aviation safety remains his top priority and there are no plans to change the 1500-hour pilot
qualification requirements,” said Scott Maurer, who lost his 30-year-old daughter, Lorin, in the
crash of Flight 3407. “If aviation safety truly is the top priority, we trust that Secretary Duffy
will expect the same from Administrator Bedford and hold firm with no changes to the pilot
qualification requirements. We will be watching their actions very closely.”
The Families of Flight 3407 are also calling on their Western New York congressional
delegation — Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Representatives Tim
Kennedy, Nick Langworthy, and Claudia Tenney — to continue to vigorously oppose any
attempts to weaken the 1500-hour rule or other key safety standards.
“Aviation safety must always come before business interests,” said John Kausner, who lost his
daughter, Ellyce, in the crash. “We are counting on Administrator Bedford and the FAA to
protect the flying public and preserve the hard-fought and effective reforms enacted in the
wake of Flight 3407.”