Stephen M Dickson is 18th FAA administrator
August 13, 2019: US transportation secretary Elaine L Chao has sworn in Stephen M Dickson as the 18th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He takes over from acting administrator Daniel K Elwell. Dickson comes with an experience of 40 years in the aviation industry. He will oversee a $16.4 billion-dollar budget, more than […]
August 13, 2019: US transportation secretary Elaine L Chao has sworn in Stephen M Dickson as the 18th administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He takes over from acting administrator Daniel K Elwell.
Dickson comes with an experience of 40 years in the aviation industry. He will oversee a $16.4 billion-dollar 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 honoured 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 Captain Dickson.
The FAA is responsible for a system that operates more than 50,000 flights per day.
“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 honoured to be able to help write the next chapter in the history of the FAA,” he added.
LIVE from the U.S. Department of Transportation https://t.co/omW6bKOZKf
— The FAA (@FAANews) August 12, 2019
Elwell will serve as FAA deputy administrator upon Dickson assuming office. Recognising Elwell’s service, secretary Chao said, “I’m grateful for acting administrator Dan Elwell’s steady and principled leadership during an especially challenging time in the FAA’s history.”
Dickson recently retired from service as the senior vice president-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 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.