Aviation associations including AOPA, AUVSI, GAMA, NATA and NBAA are applauding the appointment last week of Chris Rocheleau as the acting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Chris is very capable and brings a commonsense approach to solving issues. He understands all sectors of aviation and will provide strong leadership needed at the FAA,” said AOPA President, Darren Pleasance.
Prior to Rocheleau’s appointment he served as the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) chief operating officer. “He is also a veteran of the FAA where he served in multiple senior roles and retired from the Unites States Air Force Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
“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 NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “He has demonstrated excellence at every level in the government, military and aviation industry.”
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) President and CEO Michael Robbins issued a statement saying, “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. At a time when our airspace is becoming increasingly complex, his leadership will be critical in advancing modernization efforts that enhance both safety and efficiency.
Before his time at the FAA, Rocheleau served as an officer and special agent with the United States Air Force (USAF), retiring from the USAF Reserve in 2010 as a lieutenant colonel. He was also among the first leaders of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), serving as the manager of TSA’s Intelligence Operations Watch and as the senior policy advisor to the assistant administrator for transportation policy.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce said, “Mr. Rocheleau’s in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of this complex organization, gained through strong administrative experience in several divisions within the FAA, will serve our nation well, particularly as the FAA responds to and supports the NTSB’s midair investigation at Reagan National Airport. This is a critical time, when all of aviation is united in a clear focus towards strengthening aviation safety, advancing innovation and upgrading and modernizing the facilities and equipment of the National Airspace System. The trust of, and respect for, Mr. Rocheleau within the FAA and industry will help DOT Secretary Duffy and his team collectively tackle the challenges before us including responding to this week’s tragic accident.
Rocheleau holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Public Administration from City University of Seattle. He completed the Executive National Security Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, USAF Air Command and Staff College, and the Corporate Aviation Program at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
