Billy Nolen (2023)

Biography

Billy Nolen, former acting FAA Administrator and present Chief Safety Officer of Archer Aviation Inc., was appointed to the AAR Board of Directors in 2023.

Mr. Nolen, 66, brings more than 30 years of aviation experience across safety, operations, and regulatory affairs. He recently served as acting FAA Administrator and is currently the Chief Safety Officer at Archer Aviation Inc., a leading air mobility company known for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. While at the FAA, Mr. Nolen revamped certification requirements and airport-focused safety management systems and earlier served as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety.

Mr. Nolen’s aviation experience began during his service in the U.S. Army, where he was an airplane and helicopter pilot and a safety officer. Following his military experience, Mr. Nolen moved into commercial aviation, becoming a pilot for American Airlines. There, Nolen transitioned to managing the company’s Operations Aviation Safety Action Partnership program before assuming a Senior Manager of Flight Safety position. He transitioned to Airlines for America, where he was the Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, and Operations, and to Qantas Group, where he was the Executive Manager of Group Safety and Health. Nolen later joined WestJet as Vice President of Safety, Security, and Quality.

Nolen earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also earned certificates in aviation safety from the Naval Postgraduate School, the U.S. Army Safety Center, and the University of Southern California.