What to know about acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Chris Rocheleau (R) during a news conference with National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy (L). Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Trump on Thursday named Chris Rocheleau as acting administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a fatal plane crash near Washington, D.C.
The big picture: Rocheleau worked at the FAA for more than two decades and most recently served as an executive at a professional aviation association. He'll be tasked with handling the immediate response to the collision.
- Rocheleau has experience in policy development, operations, national security and crisis management, he said on LinkedIn.
- He will serve until a Trump nominee is confirmed by the Senate as the next permanent administrator.
State of play: Rocheleau "served the FAA with distinction" for more than 20 years, per a U.S. Chamber of Commerce biography. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
- His FAA roles included acting associate administrator for aviation safety; chief of staff; assistant administrator for policy, international affairs and environment; and executive director for international affairs.
- He also directed the FAA's office of emergency operations and investigations.
Context: No survivors are expected after an American Airlines passenger flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter late Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport outside of D.C.
- The passenger jet had 64 people on board, and the helicopter had three soldiers.
What they're saying: "Chris is an outstanding leader who will be good for the FAA, good for aviation and good for the country, especially at this challenging time," Ed Bolen, NBAA CEO and president, said in a Thursday statement.
- "He has demonstrated excellence at every level in the government, military and aviation industry."
- Trump called Rocheleau "highly respected" and thanked him during the Thursday afternoon press conference, where he announced his position.
Flashback: Rocheleau also served as an officer and special agent with the U.S. Air Force and retired in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel.
- He was also among the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration, which was founded in 2001.
Catch up quick: The previous FAA administrator, Michael Whitaker, resigned on Jan. 20, Trump's Inauguration Day, multiple outlets reported.
- "The United States is the safest and most complex airspace in the world, and that is because of your commitment to the safety of the flying public," Whitaker said in a message to employees.
Go deeper: Trump touts national unity over air disaster before bashing Biden and Obama
