011384 Aviation Operations and Safety Expert

Accomplished Aviation Leader with 40+ years of expertise in airline operations, pilot training, regulatory compliance, and aviation safety leadership. Recognized for driving industry-wide improvements in safety, pilot experience, human factors research, and accident investigation. Sought-after trainer and expert in Human Factors in aviation.

Selected Career Highlights:

• Appointed by Secretary of Transportation Chao and Buttigieg to consecutive terms on the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee ARAC and served as an industry expert on several Aviation Rulemaking Committees shaping industry-wide standards.
• Three-term six years President of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Association CAPA, leading strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts to influence legislation and policy reforms impacting 35,000+ pilots nationwide.
• Awarded the prestigious Fellow designation in the Royal Aeronautical Society for outstanding contributions to aviation safety and dedication to advancing the field of aeronautics globally.
• Served as Subject Matter Expert as a Party member and coordinator for several high-profile NTSB investigations, including award recognition by the US Airline Pilots Association USAPA for critical contributions to the investigation of US Airways Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson”.

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Strategic Studies Counterinsurgency, University of Exeter, UK.
• M.A. in U.S. History Military & National Security, East Carolina University.
• B.A. in Political Science National Security Focus, East Carolina University.
• Bellingcat Intelligence Training 2020.
• Virginia Certified Private Investigator Active.
• Assorted tactical shooting schools for carbine and pistol, including Blackwater and
• Commonwealth Criminal Justice Academy.

Awards and Acknowledgements

• Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America.
• Distinguished Civilian Service for Bravery, US Army, for actions on September 11, 2001, Pentagon. 

Professional Experience

RTI Group, LLC RTI, Stevensville, MD, 2024 – present.

Expert Witness

• Airline Operations
• Pilot Training
• Regulatory Compliance
• Aviation Safety
• Pilot Expert
• Human Factors

AMERICAN AIRLINES, Various Locations 1986 – Present

Began career as a Line Pilot and advanced into several leadership roles and FAA committee appointments spanning over three decades in pilot training, regulatory compliance, human factors research, and aviation safety.

Supervisory & Check Pilot

• Logged 18,000+ flight hours in domestic and international operations and is type-rated on the Airbus 319/320/321 and Boeing 737/757/767 aircraft.
• Conducted in-depth pilot training and evaluations under the FAA’s Advanced Qualification Program AQP, ensuring adherence to rigorous safety and operational standards.
• Earned company-wide recognition for delivering and providing developmental input on specialized Human Factors training.
• Provided technical expertise to streamline legacy carrier integration into a unified Flight Operating System FOS

Accident Investigation & Safety Leadership

• Led the USAPA Accident Investigation Committee 2009-2013 and directed investigations of major aviation incidents, including US Airways Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson”.
• Provided expertise to the NTSB on high-profile investigations, served as an NTSB Party Member for Operations, Systems, and Human Performance groups, and co-authored technical party submissions for investigations.
• Completed NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigator training course, applying advanced methodologies to uncover root causes of aircraft incidents and accidents while improving systemic safety practices.

FAA Rulemaking & Advisory Committees

Actively contributed to multiple FAA Rulemaking Committees, shaping industry standards, including:

• FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee ARAC
• Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee
• Passenger Hazardous Materials Notification Aviation Rulemaking Committee
• FAA/ICAO Loss of Control Avoidance and Recovery LOCART Aviation Rulemaking Committee
• Management Advisory Council
• Flight Path Management Working Group
• FAA Human Factors Task Force Aviation Rulemaking Committee

COALITION OF AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION CAPA 2018 – 2024

President

Led advocacy and strategic initiatives representing 35,000+ airline pilots, shaping policies on safety, training, operations, security, and aeromedical standards. Built key partnerships with federal aviation agencies and Congressional leaders to drive legislative and policy reforms that improved pilot working conditions and aviation safety.

Key Legislative Achievements:

• Pilot Experience Advocacy – Emphasized the importance of rigorous training and experience standards to ensure pilot competency and uphold aviation safety.
• Advanced Training Protocols – Advocated for industry-wide improvements in pilot training methodologies and operational proficiency standards.
• Pilot Fatigue Management – Led efforts to implement evidence-based pilot rest regulations, mitigating fatigue- related safety risks.
• Hazardous Materials Transportation – Advocated for standardized handling procedures to increase compliance and ensure safe transportation.
• Aviation Security Advocacy – Developed strategies to address evolving security threats, including cybersecurity risks, insider threats, and physical security vulnerabilities.
• UAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration – Advanced the safe integration of drones into the national airspace system, focusing on training, operations, and compliance standards.
• Pilot Health and Wellness Programs – Prioritized pilots’ physical and mental well-being, advocating for programs ensuring fitness for duty and long-term career sustainability.

Professional Recognition

• Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society –Appointed in recognition of outstanding contributions to aviation safety, leadership in regulatory advancements, and dedication to advancing the field of aeronautics globally.
• Full Member, International Society of Air Safety Investigators ISASI – Acknowledged for expertise in accident investigation and contributions to systemic aviation safety advancements.
• Technical Expert, TLC’s Brace for Impact: The Chesley B. Sullenberger Story –

Served as a subject matter expert on aviation safety, human factors, and flight re-creation accuracy to enhance documentary realism.

• Award Recipient, US Airline Pilots Association –

Honored for pivotal contributions to human factors research during the investigation of US Airways Flight 1549 “Miracle on the Hudson”.

• Principal advocate behind the 35-second human factors response window – Successfully lobbied for its adoption by the NTSB in all Flight 1549 accident recreations—a pivotal concept highlighted in the defining closing scene of Clint Eastwood’s motion picture “Sully”. Award-winning actor Chris Bauer’s performance as “Larry Rooney” portrayed the real-life advocacy efforts undertaken in support of the Flight 1549 crew.
• Credited in NY Times Bestseller Highest Duty –

Recognized by authors Jeffrey Zaslow and Chelsey Sullenberger for efforts related to Flight 1549 accident investigation.

Education & Certifications

Advanced Aviation Trainings on Accident Investigation & Safety

• NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigation and Cognitive Interview Schools
• Airline Pilots Association ALPA Basic and Advanced Safety Schools
• Airline Pilots Association ALPA Advanced Accident Investigation Schools

Certifications

• FAA Airline Transport Pilot with aircraft type ratings on the Boeing 737, 757, 767 and Airbus

319, 320, 321

• Certified Flight Instructor Single & Multi-Engine, Instrument
• Flight Engineer Turbojet

Bachelor of Science in Air Commerce, Magna Cum Laude – Florida Institute of Technology

Additional Industry Leadership

Board Member and Director of Industry Affairs – Velocity R Aviation Foundation 2022 – Present

• Advise the Founder and CEO on industry engagement strategies to mentor and guide individuals pursuing careers in aviation with an emphasis on diverse roles within the airline industry.
• Collaborate with schools, scholarship organizations, and aviation institutions to connect aspiring professionals with resources for career development.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in aviation through mentorship and industry partnerships.