FAA appoints new Acting Administrator

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has named Billy Nolen as its new Acting Administrator, following the departure of previous FAA Administrator Steve Dickson at the end of the month.

Nolen, an experienced aviation safety professional and former airline captain, was only appointed to his previous role as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety in January 2022.

Before joining the FAA, he previously served as Vice President for Safety, Security and Quality at WestJet Airlines in Canada from February 2020 to November 2021; as Executive Manager for Group Safety & Health for Qantas between July 2018 and December 2019; and Senior Vice President for Safety, Security and Operations for the Airlines for America trade association between July 2015 and March 2018.

He began his professional career in 1989 as a pilot for American Airlines, earning type ratings on Boeing 757, 767 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft, and later managed the carrier’s Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), before rising to become the airline’s Managing Director for Corporate Safety and Regulatory Affairs.

Nolen also served multiple tours of duty in the US Army as a pilot and safety officer and holds a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as specialized aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, United States Army Safety Center and the United States Navy Postgraduate School.

Nolen will administer the FAA until the appointment of a permanent successor

Dickson announced in February that he would be stepping down as Administrator after serving in the role for over two and a half years, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Dickson oversaw a challenging period for the airline industry due to the heavy impact of the coronavirus pandemic on commercial aviation.

A nationwide search for a new permanent FAA Administrator is currently underway by the Biden-Harris administration – a position that typically carries a five-year term and must be confirmed by the US Senate.

During the interim period, Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will also take on an expanded role, focusing on the FAA’s workforce and the nation’s airports.