Senate panel questions NTSB nominee on shutdown impacts, recusal and ADS‑B support

John DeLayu, a longtime American Airlines safety official and former U.S. Air Force pilot, told the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee that he would bring ‘‘a lifelong commitment’’ to transportation safety if confirmed to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The nomination hearing on Nov. 8 opened with committee members warning of immediate operational stress in the aviation system, including what the committee chair described as a ‘‘10% mandatory reduction in flights at 40 airports’’ caused by the federal government shutdown. Senators pressed DeLayu on his role as a senior American Airlines safety official and on whether he would recuse himself from matters tied to ongoing litigation over the removal of former NTSB vice chair Alvin Brown.

DeLayu, introduced by the chair as an Air Force pilot and more than 19,000‑hour commercial captain with a long record in airline safety, emphasized his accident‑investigation experience and family‑assistance work following crashes. ‘‘The NTSB saves lives,’’ he told the committee, and said he has worked ‘‘alongside the NTSB for more than 15 years’’ on investigations and safety recommendations.

Senators raised two legal and ethical questions repeatedly. First, several Democrats urged the committee to pause consideration of any NTSB replacement while litigation over Alvin Brown’s removal proceeds; the complaint alleges the president removed Brown without complying with the statutory removal standards. Second, senators asked whether DeLayu would step aside if a court ordered Brown’s reinstatement. DeLayu declined to resolve the removal litigation himself, saying those matters belong to the courts, and told senators he would consult the NTSB general counsel and possibly the Department of Justice if a court directed reinstatement.

Committee members also asked DeLayu about technology and modernization. Lawmakers referenced legislation to require ADS‑B (automatic dependent surveillance–broadcast) technology on aircraft operating in controlled airspace; DeLayu said he is ‘‘a huge proponent’’ of the technology, described airline trials of ADS‑B systems with air traffic controllers, and said pilots and controllers ‘‘like this system’’ because it can improve situational awareness and reduce controller workload. On implementation challenges he noted cost concerns but said industry discussion showed broad support.

On questions of day‑to‑day aviation safety, DeLayu praised U.S. air traffic controllers and attributed recent decisions about flight reductions to FAA assessments of operational safety under unusual staffing and funding constraints. He described the NTSB as ‘‘small’’ but ‘‘preeminent,’’ and said investigators must balance timeliness and quality when preparing reports and safety recommendations.

No formal committee votes or nominations were decided at the hearing. Senators will submit written questions; the record will track follow‑up on recusal commitments and any court developments tied to the Brown removal litigation.

The hearing record also includes letters of support for the nominees and sets deadlines for written questions and nominee responses.