Acting FAA Administrator Daniel K. Elwell

On January 5, 2018, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced that FAA Deputy Administrator Daniel K. Elwell will serve as Acting FAA Administrator. This move became official upon the conclusion of outgoing Administrator Michael Huerta’s term earlier this month. Elwell was appointed FAA Deputy Administrator in June 2017 and became Acting Administrator at 12:01 a.m. on January 7, 2018.

“Dan’s background as a military and commercial pilot and past leadership positions in FAA and the aviation sector ensures a seamless transition to continue the important mission of the FAA,” said Secretary Chao.

Upon Elwell becoming Acting Administrator, Carl Burleson, FAA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy, International, and Environment, was assigned to perform the duties of Deputy Administrator in an acting capacity and Tina Amereihm, FAA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Information and Technology, became the FAA Chief of Staff, replacing Chris Rocheleau, who recently was named Executive Director for International Aviation.

Recognizing Administrator Huerta’s service, Secretary Chao stated, “Our nation is grateful for Administrator Huerta’s service to the FAA and his commitment to aviation safety.”

Dan Elwell previously served as FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, Planning and Environment from 2006-2008. From 2013 to 2015, as Senior Vice President for Safety, Security, and Operations at Airlines for America (A4A), he was responsible for helping to advance commercial aviation safety and security excellence for major U.S. air carriers. Elwell was Vice President of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) from 2008-2013.

Elwell was a commercial pilot for 16 years with American Airlines, flying DC-10, MD-80, and B-757/767 aircraft. While maintaining his proficiency as an MD-80 Captain, he served as Managing Director for International and Government Affairs at American Airlines. He earned his pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Elwell is a former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who retired from military service as a Command Pilot with more than 6,000 hours combined civilian and military flight time in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve, including combat service during Operation Desert Storm.