As 2018 drew to a close, Dan Elwell remained at the helm of the FAA in an acting capacity with no permanent FAA administrator confirmed to the post. Elwell, a veteran industry, government, and association executive, stepped into the acting post in January after former administrator Michael Huerta had completed his five-year term and departed the agency.
For the agency, it was a nearly seamless move since Elwell had been appointed to the deputy administrator’s post six months earlier. He came to the deputy post in with a breadth of experience and knowledge of aviation, having held senior roles with the Airlines for America, Aerospace Industries Association, American Airlines, and the FAA itself.
And many thought he may be among the first in line for the administrator’s role on a more permanent basis. But another name initially surfaced for that position: President Donald Trump’s personal pilot, John Dunkin. Senate leaders, however, made clear that that choice would face a difficult road. This pushed Elwell’s name once again to the forefront, something that despite past support for ATC reorganization and user fees would have garnered backing from many general aviation leaders.
However, Elwell is believed to have removed himself from contention after encountering a lack of consensus on his nomination. And in November, another candidate surfaced—Steve Dickson, who had recently retired after a 27-year career at Delta Air Lines. The Wall Street Journal reported that Dickson has emerged as a leading choice.
Dickson’s selection would cement strong operational knowledge and deep airline experience at the helm of the FAA. He retired from Delta at the end of September as senior vice president of operations.
Most in the industry believe that the Dickson nomination could make its way through Congress with little controversy. In fact, many general aviation leaders have been ready to welcome the selection.
The ones who have known him have had praise for Dickson. General Aviation Manufacturers Association president Pete Bunce called Dickson a friend, noting he was a classmate from the Air Force Academy and fellow F-15 pilot. “He is extremely knowledgeable about NextGen and how the system works,” Bunce said, adding, “He is a great leader.” Dickson has worked closely with GAMA on modernization issues, and encouraging to Bunce, “He articulated very well for Delta the value of the current ATC system in the privatization debate.”
Bunce has been equally supportive of Elwell and said his hope is that should Dickson take the role on a permanent basis, that Elwell would return to the deputy role. “I think they would be a powerful team,” he said.
However, others fear that Elwell would depart the agency. In fact, in a town full of rumors, the latest in Washington is that Trump held hopes of brokering a deal: Dickson as administrator and then Dunkin as deputy.
