970x125
President Trump nominated an American Airlines pilot to serve on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following concerns with airline regulations in recent months.
Senate records show John DeLeeuw, managing director of safety and efficiency for American Airlines and a Boeing 787 captain, was appointed to the board by the Trump administration, according to reports from Reuters.
“John’s going to be an excellent addition to the board, if confirmed. We’re very excited about the nomination, and we’ll be working with him through the process,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in an interview with the outlet.
DeLeeuw will replace Alvin Brown, an appointee of the Biden administration, who was removed from his seat in May.
Prior to flying at American Airlines, John was a C-130 Hercules evaluator and instructor pilot for the United States Air Force. He participated in Desert Storm and numerous classified special operations throughout the world, according to the University of Southern California, his alma mater.
DeLeeuw also participated in HALO airdrops with Navy SEALS.
His appointment comes amid a major flight safety overhaul being headed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Reports of low staffing for air traffic controllers has contributed to several near-miss incidents and impacted the deadly collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter in January near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which killed 67 people.
The accident is currently under investigation by the NTSB.
In addition to DeLeeuw’s appointment, Trump nominated Michelle Schultz for another term and selected Richard Kloster to fill a vacancy at the Surface Transportation Board.
