Former FAA Administrator Joins Archer Aviation As Head Of Security

Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Implementing Administrator, Billy Nolen. (photo: twitter @adamgoldstein13)

JAKARTA - Archer Aviation, an air taxi maker, announced on Tuesday 13 June that former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Implementing Administrator Billy Nolen has joined the company as Head of Security.

Reuters first reported on the recruitment plan on May 25.

California-based Archer announced in May that they had completed the final assembly of their "Midnight" aircraft using vertical take-off and landing technologies with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). Midnight can carry four passengers and a pilot with a range of up to 100 miles (160.9 km).

"Billy is an extraordinary leader and has long been a strong supporter of the aviation aviation industry, leading the role of global leadership of our country and the FAA in this important area," Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The company said Nolen would help Archer to collaborate more effectively "with industry stakeholders and help ensure the entry of the eVTOL aircraft into safe services during commercialization preparations by 2025."

In March, Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington withdrew from his nomination as FAA administrator after receiving criticism from Republicans. Nolen resigned last week after announcing his departure in April.

In November's email, he stated that "we will see eVTOL certification in the coming years, not decades... Not since the beginning of the jet era we have seen so much progress and change in the field of aerospace."

Last week, the United States Department of Transport announced that Deputy Secretary total Trottenberg would be the FAA's interim chief executive. He will also continue to carry out his role as USDOT but will focus on the FAA, the department spokesman said.

President Joe Biden also plans to appoint Katie Thomson, FAA Chief of Staff, as deputy administrator, replacing Bradley Mims, the department said.