Trump Names Acting FAA Administrator in Wake of Fatal Collision

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.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the accident involving a PSA Bombardier CRJ-700 jet, operating American Eagle Flight 5342, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter. The collision occurred as the CRJ was making its approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) on Wednesday night. None of the 64 passengers aboard the jet and three crew aboard the Black Hawk—which was conducting a training flight—are believed to have survived.

Rocheleau, who Trump called “highly respected,” was sworn in as FAA deputy administrator last week. Previously, he led the agency’s office of emergency operations and investigations and served as acting administrator for aviation safety. Rocheleau has also held positions as FAA chief of staff, assistant administrator for policy, international affairs and environment, and executive director for international affairs.

He departed the agency in 2022 to join the NBAA, where he serves as chief operating officer.

“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,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the NBAA, in a news release. “He has demonstrated excellence at every level in the government, military and aviation industry.”

Between stints at the FAA, Rocheleau was a senior policy advisor at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Before then, he was an officer and special agent with the U.S Air Force. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel.

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) also backed Rocheleau’s selection and urged the FAA and Congress to consider the “role of automation and autonomy in improving safety.”

“Chris Rocheleau is a highly qualified choice to ensure the U.S. remains the aviation safety gold standard and will bring the vigilance, innovation, and commitment to progress that is urgently needed,” said Michael Robbins, president of AUVSI, in a statement.