Steven Dickson Sworn in as FAA Administrator

On August 12th, COO Tim Obitts and VP of Government Affairs Jonathon Freye were present as Steve Dickson was sworn in as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator. Dan Elwell has been the interim administrator for a year and half and will serve as Administrator Dickson’s deputy.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement today that she was grateful for Elwell's "steady and principled leadership during an especially challenging time in the FAA's history." Elwell has been at the helm throughout the Boeing 737 MAX crisis.

Administrator Dickson, a pilot who was most recently senior vice president of flight operations at Delta Air Lines, said in a statement that he looked forward to "ensuring our aviation system maintains its proper place, leading the world in both safety and operational performance."

“NATA looks forward to working with Steve Dickson in his new role as permanent FAA Administrator to advance our shared goals of supporting aviation businesses, advancing safety, and improving the national airspace system. The Association also recognizes Deputy Administrator Dan Elwell’s leadership and earnest collaboration with the aviation business community in his role as Acting Administrator,” stated NATA COO Tim Obitts.

Dickson retired from Delta Air Lines after serving as a Captain and most recently as Senior Vice President-Flight Operations with oversight of the safety and operational performance of Delta’s global flight operations. He’s been a steadfast advocate for safety and modernization having served as chairman of several industry stakeholder groups and two Federal Advisory Committees: The Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee (ATMAC) and the NextGen Implementation Task Force.