President Donald Trump would like to see the pilot who flew his private jet for years to lead the government’s aviation agency, according to Axios.
John Dunkin, the pilot who flew Trump around the country during the 2016 campaign, is reportedly on the shortlist of nominees to lead the Federal Aviation Administration because of his experience as a pilot and his history running airline businesses.
“John Dunkin isn’t just a pilot,” an unnamed source within the administration told Axios. “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, which included managing all aviation transportation for travel to 203 cities in 43 states over the course of 21 months.”
ALSO WATCH: Highlights of Trump’s Speech To CPAC
“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,” the source said.
Trump has apparently spoken with his pilot about aviation policy in the past. During a meeting with airline executives in February 2017, Trump said, “my pilot, he’s a smart guy, and he knows what’s going on.”
Though Trump didn’t name Dunkin, he said his pilot was a real expert. “He said, ‘Sir, the equipment they’re putting on is just the wrong stuff.’ If we’re going to modernize our system we should be using the right equipment,” Trump said.
The White House did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
Follow Thomas Phippen on Twitter
Send tips to thomas@
The Daily Caller News Foundation is working hard to balance out the biased American media. For as little as $3, you can help us. Make a one-time donation to support the quality, independent journalism of TheDCNF. We’re not dependent on commercial or political support and we do not accept any government funding.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.