Acting Executive Director
Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service, AOV-1

Scott Chance is the Acting Executive Director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Safety Oversight Service (AOV), responsible for directing the independent, risk-based, data-driven safety oversight of air navigation services. Scott is the principal agency advisor to the FAA Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety for all Air Traffic Organization safety oversight-related issues, representing the FAA in dealings with high-level officials, inside and outside the agency, both nationally and internationally. He also serves as a liaison to Congress, the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, commercial and general aviation organizations, and civil and private groups on issues related to safety standards for air traffic control and air traffic infrastructure, facilities, and systems.

Scott is a distinguished leader in aviation safety with experience in highly visible and responsible positions in Flight Standards. He has over 25 years of cross-functional team leadership experience in the United States Army, airline operations, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Scott joins AOV from Air Carrier Safety Assurance where he served as the manager for the Southwest Airlines Certificate Management Office (CMO), providing leadership and direction for the integrated oversight of Southwest Airlines, which operates over 800 aircraft and 4000 flights per day.

Throughout his FAA career, Scott developed a well-rounded background with proven strengths in strategic organizational, analytical, and relationship skills. This includes experience as an Acting Division Manager in Air Carrier Safety Assurance and Supervisory Principal Operations Inspector for the United Airlines CMO. Scott also excelled in various roles as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the Continental CMO and the United CMO, including Assistant Principal Operations Inspector, and Project Manager for both the B787-8 and B787-9 Initial Certification Projects. His leadership was instrumental in advancing key safety programs like the Aviation Safety Action Program and fostering the growth of Safety Management System and Just Culture across Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121 air carriers.

Before joining the FAA, Scott’s aviation career began as a pilot for ExpressJet Airlines, where he served as a Captain and Line Check Airman. Prior to his aviation journey, Scott served with distinction in the United States Army. During his time as an armored cavalry officer, Scott served with the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, including overseas deployments to both Kuwait and Bosnia.  

Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was a member of the Army Rugby Team. Additionally, Scott holds an MBA from the University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, and completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Program. He is a graduate of the FAA’s Senior Leadership Development Program and Program for Emerging Leaders, where he was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award.