Chris Rocheleau, who has served as the Federal Aviation Administration's deputy administrator for the past 18 months, will depart the agency next week, according to Bloomberg News. His exit concludes a tenure that included a temporary spell as acting administrator and participation in efforts to update the agency's air traffic control system.
Rocheleau is not new to the FAA. He previously worked at the agency in several roles before returning to serve in his most recent capacity. In the period after last year's fatal midair collision near Washington, Rocheleau assumed the responsibilities of acting administrator on a temporary basis, leading the regulator through that interim phase.
During his time as deputy administrator, Rocheleau contributed to the FAA's ongoing work on modernizing its air traffic control system. In a message to colleagues quoted by the report, he acknowledged his departure while expressing optimism about the agency's future, writing: "While I may be leaving the agency, I am even more excited about what lies ahead for the FAA," the report said.
Before returning to government service in January 2025, Rocheleau served as chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association. His prior experience at the association preceded his reentry into the administration.
Summary of Facts
- Rocheleau will leave the FAA next week after 18 months as deputy administrator.
- He previously worked at the FAA in various positions and served temporarily as acting administrator following last year’s fatal midair collision near Washington.
- He contributed to the FAA's air traffic control modernization efforts.
- Prior to joining the administration in January 2025, he was chief operating officer of the National Business Aviation Association.
Context and implications are limited to the information provided. The report does not identify a successor, a specific timeline for transition beyond Rocheleau's departure next week, or additional details about ongoing projects beyond noting his contribution to air traffic control updates.