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FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau to Leave Agency and Return as NBAA COO

Chris Rocheleau is stepping down as FAA deputy administrator after roughly 18 months at the agency, including a period as acting administrator. He will return to the National Business Aviation Association as chief operating officer after overseeing the FAA’s response to the 2025 Washington, D.C., midair collision and ongoing safety and airspace reforms.

Discovered 2026-07-30T12:18:53.771566-07:00 | 2026-07-30T12:18:53.771566-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Rocheleau’s departure is a senior FAA leadership change during ongoing BVLOS rulemaking, safety reforms and air-traffic modernization.
His return to NBAA restores the association’s former chief operating officer after he led the FAA’s response to the 2025 Washington, D.C., midair collision.
The transition may affect continuity as the agency advances several high-priority aviation safety and airspace initiatives.

Reported By

businessairportinternational.com Unmanned Airspace Simple Flying AINonline Aviation Week dronelife.com