The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted 52-40 to confirm Atlanta native Stephen Dickson as the next head of the Federal Aviation Administration as well as chairman of the Air Traffic Services Committee for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Captain Stephen Dickson
Dickson, a former U.S Air Force officer and fighter pilot, graduated from the Georgia State University College of Law before joining Delta Airlines as an executive. His deep roots in the aviation industry and expertise in global flight operations and airline safety made him a strong choice for the job, though Democrats pushed back leading up to the confirmation vote.
Democrats pointed to claims of whistleblower retaliation while Dickson served as senior vice president of flight operations at Delta. The case, which involved a female pilot being temporarily grounded supposedly in response for speaking out over safety issues, was questioned by Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation during Dickson’s confirmation hearings. Republicans though, including committee chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), said they had conducted an “extensive review” of the case and were thrilled with the selection.
“(Dickson) clearly demonstrated the experience and leadership abilities necessary to lead the FAA. I don’t know if there was a single member of the committee … who failed to be impressed,” Wicker said.
Georgia’s own Senators, too, were predictably pleased with the decision.
“I applaud the Senate’s vote today and have full confidence in Captain Steve Dickson’s commitment to aviation safety,” said Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). “Representing a state that is home to the world’s busiest airport, one of the world’s largest airlines, and manufacturers of business and military aircraft, I’m committed to American aviation. I believe that Captain Dickson’s extensive experience in the industry, including as an F-15 fighter pilot and with Delta Air Lines, will serve him well in this new role.”
Senator David Perdue (R-GA) echoed those sentiments, praising Dickson by stating in a press release, “From serving as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, to heading up operations for one of the world’s largest airlines, Captain Dickson has extensive experience in the aviation industry. He is a capable leader with a proven ability to manage large organizations. At Delta, Captain Dickson worked to improve safety standards, and he is committed to ensuring aviation safety remains the FAA’s top priority. Captain Dickson is the right man for the job, and I know he will continue to make Georgia proud in this new role.”
The FAA has been operating under an interim head for nearly a year and a half, but lawmakers pushed for a more permanent solution after a pair of Boeing 737 Max crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia earlier this year. With airline safety both a major concern and priority, Dickson and his sterling resume proved to be the right man for the job. “Safety is very much a journey, not a destination, and we always need to find ways to improve,” Dickson said during his confirmation hearings.
The move could also have consequences here in Georgia. As the debate over who should have administrative control of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport continues into the 2020 legislative session, it remains to be seen whether a new FAA chief with Georgia ties will weigh in. The FAA must approve any major change in management for a commercial airport.
