Dan Elwell was sworn in this week as the U.S. FAA deputy administrator. He returns to the FAA after a stint at his own aviation consulting firm, Elwell and Associates. Elwell served as FAA assistant administrator for policy, planning and environment from 2006 to 2008. Most recently, he has been serving as the senior advisor on aviation to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao.

“Dan’s insight and experience will serve the FAA and public well,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “He has a strong background as a military and civilian pilot, as well as holding key leadership positions within the aerospace industry.”

Previously, Elwell also was the senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America (A4A) and vice president at the Aerospace Industries Association. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy.