BREAKING: Hero Pilot Captain Sully Sullenberger of “Miracle on the Hudson” Criticizes Trump’s FAA Pick, Warning “Our Life’s Work Could Be Undone”

In a rare and forceful public statement, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger—the celebrated pilot behind the “Miracle on the Hudson”—has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bryan Bedford as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Sullenberger, revered for his heroism and lifelong commitment to aviation safety, warned that the nomination threatens to unravel years of progress in keeping American skies safe.

Sullenberger Speaks Out

Known for his calm under pressure, Sullenberger took to Instagram and LinkedIn to express his deep concerns. “Aviation safety has been my life’s work,” he wrote. “After my emergency landing in the Hudson River and the Colgan Air crash the following month, I knew that I had an obligation to make it my mission to keep safe everyone who flies.”

Sullenberger’s legacy was cemented in 2009 when he successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines, saving all 155 passengers and crew. His subsequent advocacy led to significant reforms in pilot training and experience requirements, notably the 1,500-hour rule enacted in 2010.

Criticism of Bryan Bedford’s Nomination

Sullenberger’s statement pulls no punches regarding Bedford’s qualifications and intentions. “With the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be FAA Administrator, my life’s work could be undone,” he warned. Sullenberger accused Bedford of misrepresenting his own experience as a pilot and criticized his unwillingness to uphold the vital pilot experience requirements that have been credited with improving safety for travelers.

“Mr. Bedford will not commit to the current 1,500-hour pilot experience rule, which means that airline pilots would have far less experience, and would not be seasoned, literally, not having experienced flying in all the seasons of the year, the crosswinds of spring, the thunderstorms of summer, the frost and fog of fall and the ice and snow of winter,” Sullenberger wrote. “The first time a pilot experiences real weather should not be with paying passengers onboard, unwitting and unwilling guinea pigs.”

Concerns Over Deregulation

Sullenberger also voiced alarm over Bedford’s apparent willingness to reduce regulatory oversight and allow airlines to self-regulate. “That’s insane. Manufacturers also?” he questioned, highlighting the dangers of loosening standards in an industry where safety must never be compromised.

He concluded, “Bedford’s FAA nomination puts the integrity of our aviation safety system at extreme risk.”

Growing Public Concern

Although Sullenberger initially posted his criticisms last month during Bedford’s confirmation process, his words have gone viral in recent days. The public’s anxiety about aviation safety has grown, fueled by news of Bedford’s confirmation and broader concerns about regulatory rollbacks under Trump’s administration.

Despite objections from Democrats and aviation safety advocates like Sullenberger, Bedford was confirmed as FAA Administrator. Critics argue that, under Trump, loyalty has often trumped competency in high-level appointments—a pattern they say endangers public safety.

The Stakes for Aviation Safety

Sullenberger’s intervention is a stark reminder of what is at stake. As someone who has saved lives and shaped aviation policy, his warnings carry significant weight. “We all deserve better,” he insisted, urging policymakers and the public not to ignore the lessons learned from past tragedies.

As the debate continues, Sullenberger’s message resonates: aviation safety should never be compromised for political loyalty or expediency. The integrity of America’s skies, and the trust of every passenger, depend on it.