FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen to Join eVTOL Aircraft Manufacturer Archer Aviation

archer has made significant strides in the race for passenger eVTOL dominance. The company recently announced a partnership with United Airlines to establish an air taxi route to Chicago. United Airlines has already committed to purchase 100 Archer aircraft. A recent deal with Stellantis will allow Archer to ramp up production and provide funding. Still, hurdles remain for Archer and all U.S. passenger eVTOL makers before large-scale commercialization is achieved.

The ‘Leadership Void’ at the FAA

Nolen was appointed Acting FAA Administrator after former FAA Administrator Steve Dixon stepped down in 2022, halfway through his five-year term. The vacancy leaves a void at the top of the organization in negotiations over the FAA reauthorization package and the ongoing crisis in the manned aircraft industry. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri) said in a public statement that Nolen’s resignation was a “wake-up call” and called for President Biden to “close a growing FAA leadership vacuum.” We asked that there be no more room left and that it be filled with highly qualified personnel,” he said. delay. “