Stephen M. Dickson was sworn in on Monday by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao as the 18th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
An aviation industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, Dickson assumes the role of administrator during a critical moment for aviation safety, according to the FAA.
Daniel K. Elwell, the FAA’s acting administrator, will serve as FAA deputy administrator.
“I’m grateful for acting administrator Dan Elwell’s steady and principled leadership during an especially challenging time in the FAA’s history,” says Chao.
“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,” says 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.
According to the FAA, Dickson is a strong advocate for commercial aviation safety and improvements to the National Airspace System. He has 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 also 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.
Dickson was confirmed for the position by the Senate last month. More on the appointment can be found here.
