FAA to be led by safety chief when administrator leaves

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s chief of safety is becoming the agency’s acting leader next week. 

Billy Nolen, who joined the FAA this year after a career as an airline pilot and executive, will be the temporary replacement for Steve Dickson, who is stepping down on Thursday. The appointment was announced Saturday in an FAA press release. 

The White House is seeking a nominee for permanent FAA administrator, a job that has a five-year term, the agency said. FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will assume a greater role, focusing on the agency’s workforce and U.S. airports, it said.

Nolen will steer the FAA as it attempts to finalize multiple directives from Congress to improve safety in the wake of the two fatal Boeing Co. 737 Max crashes. The agency is also navigating the impact of a global pandemic and an increase in unruly passengers. 

“Billy Nolen has extensive expertise in aviation and a deep understanding of the vital role the FAA plays in ensuring the safety of the traveling public,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “We are grateful to Steve for his service and to Billy and Brad for stepping up to lead the FAA during this critical time.”

Nolen was a pilot at American Airlines Group Inc. and served in management roles overseeing safety at the carrier. He later worked at the Airlines for America trade group and held management positions at Qantas Airways Ltd. and WestJet Airlines Ltd. 

The Wall Street Journal reported Nolen’s appointment earlier.