John Hickey, former FAA deputy associate administrator for aviation safety, died after a long battle with cancer on April 19.

Hickey’s FAA career spanned three decades. After graduating from Boston University in 1980 and spending 10 years in private industry, he became a flight test engineer in the Transport Airplane Directorate, where he served in an ascending series of roles culminating as manager. He was then director of the Aircraft Certification Service from 2000 until he was selected by Peggy Gilligan in 2009 to serve as her deputy.

“Like many of the people I end up admiring, John and I started our relationship on a rocky note,” ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod remembers. “He and I both were easy to rile and blunt; a combination that resulted in heated exchanges. As we became more familiar with each other and understood that we both held a strong passion for aviation and aviation safety, we become allies. His stamp on the industry will be felt for years.”

ARSA’s colleagues at JDA Aviation have posted a thorough review of Hickey’s career accomplishments, which can be reviewed at jdasolutions.aero/blog/requiem-in-pacem-john-hickey.

ARSA is seeking information about remembrance opportunities for Hickey and will keep its membership posted. Any readers who would like to share memories or personal experiences should contact the association.

The family has requested that donations be made in John’s honor to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Click here to make a memorial gift.

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