Pete Brady is the Acting Director for the Air Traffic Safety Standards Oversight Division (AOV-100). The division leads policy oversight of the Air Traffic Organization’s (ATO) safety standards by reviewing and approving national changes to policy standards, ATO’s Safety Management System (SMS) aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization, and Safety Risk Management mitigation strategies for applicable procedures and future systems. Additionally, he provides safety oversight of aeronautical information products and services.

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Before joining the FAA, Pete built a distinguished career in the airline industry, serving as a captain, check airman, instructor, and in Part 119 leadership positions. He logged over 9,500 flight hours with regional and major airlines, operating both domestically and internationally in aircraft ranging from the Beech 18 to the Lockheed L-1011. Pete has more than 20 years of frontline and executive experience. He played a key role in operational decision-making, pilot training, and safety culture development. Pete supported initial introduction and implementation of essential safety programs, including the Aviation Safety Action Program, Line Operations Safety Audit, and Flight Operations Quality Assurance, which helped transform industry safety performance.

Pete joined the FAA in 2010, bringing his extensive operational expertise to federal safety oversight. He provided critical leadership in the advancement and implementation of voluntary safety programs, and played a key role in integrating Safety Management Systems (SMS). As a leader in FAA Flight Standards, Pete helped shape the agency’s Integrated Oversight model, focusing on transforming safety assurance through collaboration and risk-based oversight.

Pete led the Alaska Airline Certification Management Offices Operations Group through a major airline merger, the recertification of the Boeing 737 MAX, and the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Pete joined the Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV), where he continues to apply his industry and oversight experience to improve the safety performance of the U.S. National Airspace System.

Pete is known for his ability to bring together people from different backgrounds to imagine, build, and execute systems and practices that elevate aviation safety. He is deeply committed to fostering innovation and collaboration in both industry and government.

Pete completed his formal flight training and aviation studies at Big Bend Community College, graduating in 1995, and continued studies at Thomas Edison State College. He has completed initial, middle, and senior leadership training within the FAA and Flight Standards Service. Pete is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for a Democratic Society program.

Pete holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with multiple type ratings, as well as a Flight Instructor certificate with single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings. Pete remains active in general aviation as a flight instructor and owns a Beechcraft A36, which he flies for pleasure with his family.