Stephen M. Dickson was sworn in on Aug. 12 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao as the 18th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An aviation industry professional with nearly 40 years of experience, Dickson is widely respected and assumes the role of administrator of the agency during a critical moment for aviation safety.
Recognizing acting administrator Dan Elwell’s service, Secretary Chao stated, “I’m grateful for acting administrator Dan Elwell’s steady and principled leadership during an especially challenging time in the FAA’s history.”
As FAA administrator, Dickson will lead an agency responsible for the safety and efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world — a system that operates more than 50,000 flights per day. He will oversee a $16.4 billion budget, more than 47,000 employees, and focus on ensuring the agency and its employees are the best prepared and trained professionals to meet the growing demands and requirements of the industry.
“I am honored to join the outstanding team at the Federal Aviation Administration and look forward to ensuring our aviation system maintains its proper place, leading the world in both safety and operational performance,” said Dickson. “Nowhere else in the world sees the volume, complexity and pace of innovation that we have in America. Maintaining the highest levels of safety while adapting to technological advancements will be a key part of our success. I am honored to be able to help write the next chapter in the history of the FAA.”
Dickson recently retired from service as the senior vice president of flight operations for Delta Air Lines. In this role, he was responsible for the safety and operational performance of Delta’s global flight operations, as well as pilot training, crew resources, crew scheduling, and regulatory compliance. He also flew in line operations as an A320 captain, and previously flew the B727, B737, B757, and B767 during his career.
Dickson is a strong advocate for commercial aviation safety and improvements to our National Airspace System, having served as chairman of several industry stakeholder groups and federal advisory committees. A former United States Air Force officer and F-15 fighter pilot, Dickson is a distinguished graduate of the class of 1979 at the United States Air Force Academy, as well as a graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law, magna cum laude.
Elwell will serve as FAA deputy administrator upon administrator Dickson assuming office.
Finally the FAA has an Administrator that is intimately familiar with aviation instead of a political appointee who is either a lawyer or a minority to be politically correct.
Let us hope that he inspires leadership in the agency instead of just management.
Lack of leadership in the FAA is a serious problem top to bottom and hopefully the new Administrator can turn that around.
Steve:
Congratulations and best of success. The FAA is fortunate to have you.
Best wishes,
Bill Shea
Steve,
Congratulations!
Great to have a fellow fighter pilot and USAFA graduate as FAA administrator.