NBAA presented former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson with its American Spirit Award for his “incomparable achievements in advancing America’s aviation interests.”
The association’s board of directors honored Dickson late last month shortly before he stepped down as administrator. In February, Dickson announced his planned departure just halfway through his five-year term, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Billy Nolen, FAA associate administrator for aviation safety, was named acting administrator while a successor is found.
Dickson departed the agency after steering it through one of its most difficult periods, including managing the aviation system through the Covid-19 pandemic and the intense scrutiny that followed the Boeing Max crashes. “Steve embodies leadership, integrity, and love of country,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Aviation has been very fortunate to have someone like Steve Dickson in the left seat, moving our industry forward.”
NBAA noted that Dickson acted “swiftly and decisively” to address the challenges that came with the pandemic, including ATC and other system disruptions. Key to this was the implementation of a special federal aviation regulation, SFAR 118, that provides a series of accommodations to keep the system operating. In addition, NBAA credited Dickson for redoubling the agency’s focus on environmental sustainability, the introduction of emerging technologies, and initiatives to foster the aviation workforce. He further remained engaged with the business aviation community throughout his tenure as administrator, NBAA said, adding that he was a keynote during the 2019 and 2021 BACE events.
Dickson was active in NextGen and other national aviation interests before joining the FAA, holding leadership roles with stakeholder groups and federal advisory committees while serving as senior v-p for operations at Delta Air Lines. His career also included serving as an F-15 fighter pilot with the U.S. Air Force.
NBAA established the American Spirit Award in 1995 to recognize individuals who exemplify excellence and service to others and has since presented it to Barrington Irving, Capt. “Sully” Sullenberger, and Bruce Whitman, among others.
