Archer appoints Billy Nolen as chief safety officer
Archer Aviation has appointed the former acting FAA Administrator, Billy Nolen as its chief safety officer.
In his new position, Archer said Nolen will play a leadership role to help the firm “collaborate with industry stakeholders” helping to ensure entry into service in 2025. While serving as the acting administrator at the FAA from April 2022 to June 2023, Nolen led certification reform and new safety management systems for airports.
Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said: “Billy is an incredible leader and has long been a staunch supporter of the eVTOL aircraft industry, spearheading our country’s and the FAA’s global leadership role in this important area. Together, we will shape the future of transportation and make sustainable, efficient air travel a reality.”
Nolen said he was honoured to join a “visionary revolutionising” UAM. “The commercialisation of eVTOL aircraft is no longer a question of ‘if,’ but rather ‘when’ and after careful consideration and assessing the competitive landscape, I joined Archer because I believe its approach to designing for certification and only developing the key enabling technologies necessary for eVTOL aircraft is the right recipe for success. I’m excited to bring my expertise as a former FAA administrator to Archer and believe its dedication to safety, innovation, and commercialisation aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations.”
Prior to becoming acting Administrator, Nolen was the associate administrator of aviation safety for the FAA. He has more than 33 years of experience in corporate safety, regulatory affairs and flight operations, starting his career as a pilot for American Airlines. Nolen also served tours of duty in the US Army as an airplane and helicopter pilot and safety officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as specialised aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, United States Army Safety Center, and the United States Navy Postgraduate School.
