Trump names acting commissioner to FAA after D.C. air disaster

President Trump on Thursday announced that Christopher Rocheleau is the new acting head of the Federal Aviation Administration in the wake of the midair plane collision between a military helicopter and American Airlines jet over the Potomac River.

“I am immediately appointing an acting commissioner to the FAA, Christopher Rocheleau, a 22-year veteran of the agency. Highly respected,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House. 

Mr. Rocheleau recently returned to the agency as deputy FAA administration after a stint in the private sector. 

The FAA has been confronted by a number of issues in recent years, ranging from problems with Boeing, airlines and air traffic control.

The agency’s most recent commissioner, Mike Whitaker, who was appointed by President Biden, stepped down this month ahead of Mr. Trump taking over. FAA heads are appointed to five-year terms to insulate them from politics. 

Mr. Rocheleau most recently was the FAA’s acting safety chief before leaving the agency in 2022. He also held other senior roles within the agency. 

His latest position requires Senate confirmation. 

Mr. Trump made the appointment hours after an American Airlines regional flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided midair with an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night. Three service members were on the helicopter.

Mr. Trump said there were no survivors.