The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed yesterday’s announcement that Capt. Billy Nolen has been named Acting Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), effective April 1.
Nolen replaces former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, who announced his retirement last month. He will lead the agency as it conducts a national search for a long-term nominee for the position. He joined the FAA in January as the agency's associate administrator for aviation safety, succeeding longtime FAA official Ali Bahrami.
"Billy Nolen is widely respected for his aviation experience, leadership skills and deep commitment to safety," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "He and Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims make a very strong team, and we look forward to working with them both toward our mutual goal of preserving our nation’s leadership in aviation."
The FAA also announced Mims will take on an expanded role at the agency, “focusing on the FAA’s workforce and the nation’s airports.” Chris Rocheleau, the FAA’s current Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, will lead the agency’s safety office until a permanent replacement is selected.
Nolen is a former commercial airline captain and has held several industry safety roles, including as senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America and executive manager for group safety and health at Qantas Airways.
Prior to coming to the FAA, Nolen served as vice president for safety, security and quality for Canada’s WestJet Airlines. He also led the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) at American Airlines.
Nolen is a U.S. Army veteran fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter pilot. He holds a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and specialized aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, U.S. Army Safety Center and the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.
