Chris Rocheleau has been appointed as the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This follows a report by The Air Current, which cited multiple sources confirming his swearing-in. Rocheleau replaces Mark House, who served as acting Deputy Administrator.
The FAA is currently without an Administrator, a position that may soon be filled with the recent inauguration of President Donald Trump. Trump has nominated Sean Duffy to lead the Department of Transportation (DOT), and Duffy’s nomination was confirmed by the Senate on January 15.
Rocheleau previously worked at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as Chief Operating Officer from April 2022. His career at the FAA spans over two decades in various roles, including acting associate administrator for aviation safety and director of emergency operations.
Despite efforts during Joe Biden’s administration to fill the FAA Administrator role, it remained vacant after Stephen Dickson left in March 2022. Biden’s nominee, Phil Washington, withdrew after prolonged debate over his qualifications. Congress eventually confirmed Whitaker in October 2023; however, he left on January 20.
In an interview with Reuters last December, Sean Duffy stated that safety remains a top priority for aviation and emphasized modernizing systems with new technology. He also noted plans to work with Congress and the FAA to restore global confidence in Boeing.
Before joining NBAA, Rocheleau held several positions at the FAA related to aviation safety standards and oversight across various sectors of the industry.
