Ken Knopp assumed the role of Deputy Regional Administrator in the FAA New England Region in September 2020. In this role, he serves as the eyes and ears for the Regional Administrator as well as conducts outreach to congressional officials; military bases; aviation industry stakeholders; federal, state, and local government; law enforcement; educational institutions; and civic and private groups. Additional responsibilities include providing cross-functional oversight and leadership, including Aviation Safety (AVS), Airports (ARP), and Air Traffic Organization (ATO) throughout the six New England states — Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Ken previously served as the Chief Scientist and Engineer within the FAA’s Aviation Research Division at the William J. Hughes Technical Center. In this role, he led the effort to identify future research challenges in multiple research disciplines. He coordinated communications to other research entities that include NASA, DOD, and international and academic institutions. Key areas of importance continue to be technology disrupters, such as cyber security, autonomous flight, artificial intelligence, and other future challenges.

Ken served as the Structures and Propulsion Branch Manager within the Aviation Research Division from October 2012 to October 2019. In this capacity, he was responsible for the leadership and direction of a comprehensive research, development, test, and evaluation program and provided the basis for acquisitions and safety improvements implemented by specification, procedures, regulations, or certifications. Prior to 2012, Ken was manager of the Program Management Branch in the Aviation Research Division. He was responsible for oversight of all research activities in the Aviation Research Division, ranging from aircraft safety and airports to human factors.

Ken has over 35 years of technical expertise in the aviation industry. He has a broad range of experience in research, development, test, and evaluation of structural integrity, structural safety, maintenance and inspection technology, aircraft icing, propulsion and fuels, advanced materials, aircraft catastrophic failure prevention, and more. He has also provided strategy and direction in defining, communicating, and implementing a broad spectrum of new agency management policies and initiatives.

Ken completed the Leadership for a Democratic Society program at the Federal Executive Institute in October 2022.

Ken is an active pilot with commercial ratings in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft. He is a current member of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the Program Management Institute (PMI). He holds a Project Management Professional status with PMI. He completed a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Wichita State University and has completed graduate courses in aviation safety, management, and program/project management.