Entertainment

Nathan Fielder Slams FAA After 'The Rehearsal' Controversy: 'They're Dumb!'

2025-05-29

Author: Yan

A Comedian Takes on the FAA

In a bold move that stirred up conversation, comedian and pilot Nathan Fielder put the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on blast during a recent CNN appearance. He didn't hold back, branding the agency as "dumb" over their dismissal of findings presented in his show "The Rehearsal."

A Unique Approach to Aviation Safety

Fielder, who famously secured a commercial pilot license, has spent two years mastering the skies. In season two of his HBO docu-comedy, he meticulously investigates a theory linking miscommunication between pilots and co-pilots to a significant number of plane crashes. For fans and critics alike, the shocker came when they realized he wasn’t just simulating flight—he was actually piloting a Boeing 737 loaded with actors posing as passengers.

Experts Weigh In

Joining him on CNN was aviation safety guru John Goglia, a former member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Together, they advocated for innovative role-playing in pilot training to enhance communication skills and prevent mishaps. Goglia’s expertise added a serious layer to Fielder’s comedic exploration.

FAA Responds, Sparks Reaction

However, the FAA responded to CNN by asserting their rigorous Crew Resource Management training for airline staff. A spokesperson noted they haven't seen supporting data for Fielder's claims linking pilot miscommunication to disasters. That’s when Fielder struck back, saying, "That’s dumb. They’re dumb," and criticized the superficial nature of the FAA’s training methods 🛩️.

Fielder’s Passion for Aviation

The comedian’s fascination with airline safety wasn't just a publicity stunt. He remarked, "I’ve just been interested in commercial airline crashes as a hobby and read about them." When asked if he was concerned about flying safety, he joked, "Well, I don’t want to die. I mean, I’m concerned the same as everyone."