POLAND, Ohio - A familiar face in Valley politics says he is humbled to have his name mentioned as a possible candidate to become the next administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Reached at his Poland home on Thursday, U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boccieri told 21 News that the Airline Pilots Association forwarded his name to a transition team that would help select nominees for the job.

The current administrator, Steve Dickson, announced he would be leaving the job late next month.

The Boeing 737 pilot for United Airlines and a former congressman and state legislator, Boccieri is also vice wing commander of the 911th Airlift Wing based at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. 

According to reports, several people are under consideration for the FAA job, which requires U.S. Senate confirmation.

“There’s a whole lot of air space between me and that flight seat,” said Boccieri. “I am honored to be considered and would be honored to serve.”

One of the reasons Dickson gave for leaving the post while still in mid-term was to spend more time with his family.

Boccieri, who is a husband and father of five, told 21 News that no public service comes without sacrifice.  “In public service, your whole family serves, not just you,” Boccieri told 21 News.

The FAA administrator has been dealing with major issues in recent years including oversight of investigations into the safety of the 737 Max aircraft, the controversy over possible 5g service interference with airline altimeters, and airline passengers who have become unruly over enforcement of COVID-19 health precautions.

Boccieri says he has not been informed of any timeline to name a new FAA administrator but believes that deputy administrator Bradley Mims could perform the duties until a successor is chosen.

21 News also asked Boccieri for his reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In his capacity as vice commander of the 911th Airlift Wing, Boccieri is responsible for assisting in maintaining the combat capability of nearly 1300 reserve members who support the mission of the C-17 aircraft.

Boccieri says he knows some of the military personnel who have been deployed to Poland by President Biden.  He is also concerned about the safety of relatives in Slovakia which is near the Russian border.