Trump's campaign pilot makes short list to lead FAA

This pilot has friends in high places.

The private aviator who flew President Trump around the country during his 2016 campaign is on the White House short list to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a report.

John Dunkin, Trump’s longtime pilot, has already had a preliminary conversation with administration officials about the job, Axios reports.

Trump has singled out Dunkin, who has managed airline and corporate flight departments, as one of his most trusted sources about the nation’s aviation system.

“I have a pilot who’s a real expert,” Trump said at a meeting with top airline executives a year ago. “My pilot, he's a smart guy and he knows what's going on.”

Dunkin oversaw the Trump campaign’s air fleet, which included managing all aviation transportation for travel to 203 cities in 43 states over the course of 21 months.

Dan Elwell, a former FAA deputy, has been serving as acting administrator since last month.