According to multiple sources, Steve Dickson, administrator of the FAA, is expected to resign effective March 31. The reports indicate that Dickson will step down to «spend more time with the family».
Dickson’s tenure was not an easy task: he was appointed by Donald Trump right after the second Boeing 737 MAX crash, leading to a 2-year global grounding of the aircraft. The aftermath of the crash and Boeing’s subsequent crisis -extended to both 787, KC-46, and 777X programs- implied a tough time for him to be in charge of the US main air safety regulator.
The MAX crashes severely undermined the confidence in the aircraft certification process, forcing the agency to eliminate the permissions previously given to Boeing to self-certify its aircraft. This measure will imply a significant challenge for FAA technicians, who will need to tackle knowledge shortcomings in proprietary technology.
Dickson himself, as a former 737 pilot, flew on the MAX during the recertification flight campaign. While confidence will need years to be built back, FAA’s lead sent a «we won’t let this happen again» message to the public that proved itself to be more than necessary.
COVID-19’s evolution throughout 2020 and 2021 has been a challenge on its own: from a complex and changing-by-the-hour scenario to airlines gasping for funds, aviation workers being furloughed en masse, and a myriad of unruly passengers fighting mask mandates and basic care, Dickson’s two and a half years leading the FAA would represent 15 years for any other administrator.
As per The Wall Street Journal, Dickson’s resignation is expected to be announced as soon as next Thursday. Nor the agency nor the Department of Transportation made any comments.
This is a developing story.
