US: Stephen Dickson approved as new head of FAA

Stephen Dickson has been approved as the new head of the US aviation regulator, after Republicans rallied behind him following accusations about his conduct while working for Delta Air Lines. Senate Republicans voted to appoint Dickson as head of the FAA Wednesday, despite the controversy surrounding his treatment of a whistle-blower in his previous job. The whistle-blower, a Delta pilot, said Dickson ordered her to undergo psychiatric testing after she blew the whistle on safety lapses at the company. The airline denies this was in retaliation for her warnings about safety, while Dickson could not be reached for comment. Republican and Democratic senators were initially alarmed by the accusation, and angered by the fact Dickson did not disclose it before his confirmation hearings. <br/>