Bryan Bedford

Stories

Washington mid-air collision: From tragedy to safety reckoning

Implementing safety reforms and responding to NTSB recommendations

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded its investigation into the January 2025 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River—the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2001. All 67 people aboard both aircraft died, including 28 members of the figure skating community returning from a national development camp. The NTSB found the crash was '100% preventable' and issued 50 safety recommendations, with 32 directed at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Updated May 23

FAA puts $6B on the table to rip out ATC’s “copper age” and hit a 2028 deadline

Built World

In office since July 2025; driving a compressed ATC rebuild plan

The FAA is no longer talking about “modernization” like it’s a distant science project. In a House hearing, Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency will commit $6 billion by the end of 2025 to upgrade ATC telecom networks and radar surveillance, with a target deployment date of 2028.

Updated May 15

Notable Quotes

"There must never be another tragedy like the one on January 29 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. We will not hesitate to take action if we identify risk."

from Washington mid-air collision: From tragedy to safety reckoning · Updated May 23

Bedford framed ATC renewal as building a “brand-new air traffic control system” within three years (House testimony, Dec. 16, 2025).

from FAA puts $6B on the table to rip out ATC’s “copper age” and hit a 2028 deadline · Updated May 15