President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration was grilled by senators Wednesday on critical safety-related issues, including the required hours needed for pilots, the outdated air traffic control system and the ongoing problems at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration pledged to prioritize safety and upgrade the nation's outdated air traffic control system during a Wednesday hearing with the Senate Committee on Commerce,

Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford was tapped in March to helm the agency. It's critical time for U.S. air travel, following a deadly January collision and ongoing air traffic control system problems.