But Republicans praised Dickson, making him all but guaranteed to be confirmed. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, meaning Dickson could lose up to three GOP senators and still be confirmed.

"He is a capable leader with a proven ability to manage large organizations. At Delta, Captain Dickson worked to improve safety standards, and he is committed to ensuring aviation safety remains the FAA’s top priority," Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) said in a statement on Wednesday. "Captain Dickson is the right man for the job, and I know he will continue to make Georgia proud in this new role.”