Group Sends Off Industry Acquaintance with Thanks

The EAA thanked outgoing FAA administrator Steve Dickson for his service to the aeronautical industry, looking back on the relationship the former pilot made to the sport and experimental aviation industries. 

“We thank Administrator Dickson for his service and dedication to the FAA as well as his attention to general aviation issues that affect a large percentage of our nation’s aviation community. We look forward to continuing our fruitful working relationship with the agency, its leadership, and its many hard-working professionals," reads the EAA statement. They recalled the interest he showed for their niche segment of aviation, recalling a time when he came to discuss issues surrounding LSAs and experimentals. 

"Dickson visited EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as recently as last summer, where he spoke during the 'Meet the Administrator' session on the progress regarding the MOSAIC initiative intended to bring significant advancements for homebuilt and light-sport aircraft." That initiative aims to modernize some of the classifications and certification issues in place in order to more effectively address the changes in aircraft design. 

They also recalled some of the troubles experienced under Dickson's administration, beset with problems in everything from pandemic preparedness issues to hidden systems problems in self-certification problems. "Dickson led the FAA through a particularly challenging period that included the 737 MAX certification review, the complexities of COVID-19 impacts on operations of the national airspace system, and addressing radar altimeter interference from 5G signals, to name a few." 

Looking back, Dickson certainly didn't have an easy go of things, seemly packing in the full 5-year term's worth of problems in only half the time. His desire to rejoin his family after the demanding pandemic period is understandable. The EAA reaffirmed its interest in working with the as-yet un-nominated administrator. 

FMI: www.eaa.org