Trump Names Acting FAA Administrator in Wake of Fatal Collision

Chris Rocheleau, National Business Aviation Association executive and FAA veteran, steps into a leadership role following the deadliest U.S. airline accident in years.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 03:37 PM ET

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President Donald Trump announces Chris Rocheleau as acting FAA administrator during a press conference on Thursday, January 30. [Courtesy: C-SPAN]

Key Takeaways:

Chris Rocheleau has been appointed as acting FAA administrator by President Donald Trump following a fatal mid-air collision near Washington D.C. believed to have killed 67 people.
The appointment comes as the FAA was without a leader, with the previous administrator having resigned approximately 10 days before the accident.
Rocheleau brings extensive experience to the role, having served 22 years at the FAA in various leadership positions, including deputy administrator, and previously as an executive with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
His selection has been endorsed by aviation industry groups like NBAA and AUVSI, who emphasize his qualifications and the critical need for continued aviation safety.

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President Donald Trump on Thursday named Chris Rocheleau, a National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) executive and 22-year FAA veteran, as acting FAA administrator in the wake of a fatal midair collision in the Washington, D.C., area that is believed to have killed 67 people.

Trump during a press conference announced Rocheleau would helm the agency—which has operated without a leader following the resignation of former administrator Mike Whitaker about 10 days before the accident on Wednesday—until the Senate confirms a replacement. Trump has yet to nominate a new administrator.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.