Former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri of Ohio under Consideration to be FAA Administrator
WASHINGTON, D. C. — Former U.S. Rep. John Boccieri of Ohio is under consideration to replace Steve Dickson as Federal Aviation Administrator when Dickson leaves the post on March 31.
“There is a lot of air space between me and this flight seat, but I am honored to be considered,” said Boccieri, an Air Force reserve lieutenant colonel who works as a Cleveland-based pilot for United Airlines.
Boccieri, of Poland, Ohio, is a former state legislator who served single term in Congress from 2009 to 2011. He said it is unclear when the President Joe Biden will decide on a replacement for Dickson, who is leaving in the middle of his five-year term to spend more time with his family.
During his stint in Washington, Boccieri served as vice-chairman of the House Transportation Committee’s aviation subcommittee, where he played an active role on air safety legislation. As a pilot, he’s been active in the International Airline Pilots Association union. He has also served on port authority boards, and is vice commander of the 911th Airlift Wing at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station.
Citing aviation sources, the travel industry news website Skift.com reported that others who are being considered for the job include former National Transportation Safety Board chair Deborah Hersman, deputy FAA administrator Bradley Mims and Sully Sullenberger, the U.S. Airways pilot who earned international fame in 20009 when he safely landed his plane on the New York City’s Hudson River after its engines were impaired by a bird strike.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Thursday released a statement in support of Boccieri.
“I’ve known and worked with John for years,” Brown said. “He is a dedicated public servant and pilot who continues to serve his country honorably. He’s also a good person. The Federal Aviation Administration needs strong leaders like John who understand the dignity of work and the many challenges facing the aviation sector.”
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