Trump Picks American Airlines Pilot for NTSB Seat

President Donald Trump has nominated John DeLeeuw, a veteran American Airlines pilot and safety executive, to serve on the National Transportation Safety Board. The nomination, disclosed in Senate records, would fill the vacancy created when the administration removed President Joe Biden’s appointee, Alvin Brown, in May. Brown has since filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal.

DeLeeuw currently serves as managing director of safety and efficiency at American Airlines and is also a captain on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Over a flying career spanning more than three decades, he has accumulated more than 19,000 accident- and incident-free flight hours. In addition to his airline role, DeLeeuw has taught aviation safety courses at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering, sharing his expertise with future industry leaders.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy welcomed the nomination, telling Reuters that DeLeeuw would be “an excellent addition to the board” if confirmed and that the agency looks forward to working with him during the process.

If approved by the Senate, DeLeeuw would join the independent federal agency responsible for investigating major transportation accidents and making safety recommendations across aviation, rail, highway, marine, and pipeline sectors. His background as both a line pilot and safety manager brings a hands-on perspective to the board’s oversight mission at a time when the U.S. aviation system faces heightened scrutiny and complex operational challenges.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flyingmag.com