President Donald Trump has raised some eyebrows in the aviation industry by touting his own personal pilot as next administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Trump’s long time pilot John Dunkin is reportedly on the shortlist for the FAA’s top job and has already had a preliminary interview, according to website Axios.
The White House has been talking up Dunkin’s skills in the face of criticism from the aviation industry.
"John Dunkin isn’t just a pilot. He’s managed airline and corporate flight departments, certified airlines from start-up under FAA regulations, and oversaw the Trump presidential campaign’s air fleet," an administration official told Axios.
"He’s on the list because he’s the president’s pilot, but if he gets the job it won’t be because he’s the president’s pilot," another source said.
During a recent White House meeting with airline executives Trump said: "I have a pilot who’s a real expert."
Other candidates up for the permanent post include current acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell.
