Deputy Transportation Secretary Expected to Be Next Interim Head of FAA According to Report

Current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen could depart from the agency as early as this week.

Monday, June 05, 2023 at 02:02 PM ET

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Polly Trottenberg would be replacing current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, according to the report. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Polly Trottenberg, the U.S. DOT Deputy Secretary, is expected to be named the interim head of the FAA, replacing Billy Nolen who is departing to join eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation.
Trottenberg's appointment raises concerns due to her lack of apparent aviation experience, at a time when the FAA faces significant challenges including staffing shortages, outdated technology, and safety issues.
The interim leadership change occurs amid booming summer air travel and ongoing pressure on the FAA to address air traffic controller shortages and prevent flight disruptions, all while the agency has been without a Senate-confirmed permanent leader since 2022.

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Polly Trottenberg, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is expected to be named the next interim head of the FAA, according to news agency Reuters.

Trottenberg would be replacing current acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, and several sources say his departure from the agency could be as early as this week. Nolen will still have close ties to the industry as he plans to join eVTOL startup Archer Aviation.