Avionics News September 2019 - 16

F R O M
R I C
P E R I
A EA V I C E P R ES I D E N T O F G OV E R N M E N T & I N D U ST RY A F FA I RS

The Aircraft Electronics Association's international membership continues to grow. Currently, the AEA represents
avionics businesses in more than 40 countries throughout the world. To better serve the needs of the AEA's international
membership, the "International News and Regulatory Updates" section of Avionics News offers a greater focus on
international regulatory activity, international industry news and an international "Frequently Asked Questions" column
to help promote standardization. If you have comments about this section, send emails to avionicsnews@aea.net.

UNITED STATES

News & Regulatory Updates
Stephen Dickson sworn
in as FAA administrator
On Monday, Aug. 12, Stephen M. Dickson was sworn
in by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao as
the Federal Aviation Administration's 18th administrator.
An aviation industry professional with nearly 40 years of
experience, Dickson recently retired
from Delta Air Lines as the senior vice
president of flight operations after a
27-year career with the airline, where
he flew five different aircraft types, and
was responsible for training, technical
support and regulatory compliance.
As FAA administrator, Dickson
Stephen M. Dickson
will lead an agency responsible for
the safety and efficiency of the largest
aerospace system in the world - a system that operates
more than 50,000 flights per day. He will oversee a $16.4
billion budget, more than 47,000 employees, and focus on
ensuring the agency and its employees are the best prepared
and trained professionals to meet the growing demands and
requirements of the industry.
"I am honored to join the outstanding team at the Federal
Aviation Administration and look forward to ensuring
our aviation system maintains its proper place, leading
the world in both safety and operational performance,"
Dickson said. "Nowhere else in the world sees the volume,
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2019

complexity and pace of innovation that we have in America.
Maintaining the highest levels of safety while adapting
to technological advancements will be a key part of our
success. I am honored to be able to help write the next
chapter in the history of the FAA."
Dickson is a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy
and served as an F-15 fighter pilot. He replaces Dan Elwell,
who served as acting administrator since January 2018. Elwell
returns to his post as FAA deputy administrator.
Recognizing Elwell's service, Secretary Chao stated,
"I'm grateful for Acting Administrator Dan Elwell's steady
and principled leadership during an especially challenging
time in the FAA's history."

CANADA

News & Regulatory Updates
Transport Canada regulatory
modernization
About two years ago, Transport Canada Civil Aviation
formed a new group within the agency to solely concentrate
on the modernization of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
The team consists of approximately 20 staff members, and
since the group was formed, they have concentrated on
hiring the team and focusing on a triage of current issues and
regulatory work. The team also hosted an online consultation
in the latter half of 2018. During the past CARAC plenary
session, a presentation was made on the team's progress,
which was reported in a previous issue of Avionics News.
There also has been work on the website to get information

Avionics News September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News September 2019