WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today issued the below statement after voting to confirm Stephen M. Dickson to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Senate approved his nomination by a vote of 52 to 40.
 
“As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and speak with Mr. Dickson on a number of occasions, and each time, I’ve been impressed with his knowledge and expertise. It’s clear that his many years in the Air Force and then working in the aviation industry have more than prepared him to take on this role, and I believe he will be a capable and effective leader of the FAA. I look forward to working together to improve and address the challenges facing our aviation system; support our airports, especially in rural areas; and ensure the safety and security of all air travelers.”
 
BACKGROUND 
 
Stephen M. Dickson graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and holds a law degree from Georgia State University. He has served on the FAA’s NextGen advisory committee, the International Air Transport Association’s operations committee, and related committees.
 
From 1979 to 1991, Mr. Dickson was an officer in the U.S. Air Force. His roles included flight commander, instructor pilot, and tactical fighter pilot.
 
Mr. Dickson also had an extensive career at Delta Air Lines. Most recently he was the senior vice president for flight operations, a role he started in 2006. He oversaw Delta’s global flight operations, pilot training, matters relating to crew scheduling, and adherence to industry regulations. Mr. Dickson joined Delta in 1991 as a pilot, and he flew both Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft.

 

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