A professional pilot and safety manager with experience in; international operations, safety program management, analyzing and managing risk, accident investigation, test operations, platform instruction and writing/interpreting technical publications. I have piloted aircraft in over 90 countries and all fifty states transporting cargo, wounded/injured and VIP’s. I have lead award winning safety programs at all levels from small operations of a few dozen aircraft and people to large organizations of over 10,000 people spanning multiple continents.
Has experience working with FAA, and NTSB as well as DOD. I currently possess an Airline Transport Pilot: Multi-engine Land, DC-9, L-300 CE-525, CE-500 and CE-560XL. Commercial Privileges: Airplane Single-engine Land, Multi-engine Instructor (MEI), Instrument Instructor (CFII), UAS Pilot Certificate, Dispatch Certificate. FAA Class 1 Medical.
Academic Background
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 2003
Masters of Aeronautical Science in Aviation/Aerospace Systems
United States Air Force Academy 1987
Bachelor of Science
Credentials
Flight Experience:
Total Time: 7000 hrs
PIC: 1400 hrs
PIC Jet: 3800 hrs
SIC: 1641 hrs
Instructor: 1603 hrs
Evaluator: 126 hrs
Technical Training:
Professional Experience
Aviation Pilot and Safety Expert
Aviation Manager
Manage aviation operations for a small part 91 operation. Currently operating a CJ3+ throughout Kansas and Missouri transporting surgical teams, family support members, organ recovery specialists and organs. Responsible for all aspects of operation including, but not limited to scheduling, maintenance, training, charter and expenses.
Director, Robertson Safety Institute and Department Chair Safety Sciences
As Director, responsible for oversight of the RSI professional education, outreach and consulting programs as well as the aircraft crash lab and ergonomics lab. Training programs blend the best in science and educational techniques to help professionals learn the newest safety techniques and advance professionally. As Department Chair, responsible for the Master in Safety Science program as well as undergraduate safety programs. Manage five budget programs totaling $1 million and 7 direct reports. Delivered training to ANAC of Brazil on safety performance indicators and CAA of New Zealand on helicopter accident investigation. Currently teaching courses in Airport Operations, Flight Safety, Safety Management Systems, Emergency Management and Dispatch Operations.
Pilot
Fixed wing Part 135 pilot flying the King Air 200 dual pilot. Responsible to ensure aircraft is airworthy and weather conditions are suitable to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM).
Pilot
Single pilot IFR Part 135 on demand and scheduled service flying PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, to remote areas of central and northern Alaska. Transports tourists, local villagers and cargo to dirt/gravel airfields utilizing both IFR and VFR procedures.
Aviation Advisor
Set requirements and provided advice, assurance, and key learning’s to help manage aviation risk for fixed and rotary wing operations worldwide. Monitor and maintain company standards to include interpretations of standards for aviation operations. Performs safety and quality audits of helicopter and fixed wing operations globally and maintains a technical dialogue with operators, vendors and aircraft manufactures. Utilized CAP 437 and other pertinent documents to review helideck safety procedures. Member of company Mishap Response Team, trained in the use of the FEMA Incident Command System. Perform assessments of contracted aviation operators, with emphasis on Safety Management Systems, required to place or retain operators on the approved vendor list. Assisted with development of first Oil and Gas Industry UAS standards (IOGP). Utilizes technical writing background to update and maintain company and Oil and Gas Producers technical publications.
Air Safety Investigator, USAF Safety Center
Instructor responsible for: developing, revising and maintaining material for safety education and training courses. Provided personnel with the knowledge and skills to analyze human factors and effectively conduct mishap investigations. Taught students to apply risk management while developing mishap prevention programs in their organizations. Primary member assigned to Major mishap investigations. Provided instruction for international students on mishap investigation and safety program management with emphasis on ICAO Annex 13 while maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences of attendees. Managed aircraft crash lab. Flew C-172 for currency.
Command Safety Officer 09/2009 – 08/2011
Responsible for the oversight of safety programs for thirteen subordinate units, operating 16 different aircraft types, throughout the Pacific region. Conducted staff assistant visits and audits of subordinate units to assess safety program management and effectiveness. Researched current SMS principles, including the use of FOQA data and ASAP self-reporting, to develop procedures for PACAF implementation. Member of Air Force Risk Management Working Group tasked with a complete re- write of Air Force risk management policy. Flew aero club aircraft for currency.
Demonstration Pilot
Responsible for safe accomplishment of demonstration flights to potential customers worldwide. Flights are designed to allow prospective pilots to fly the aircraft throughout the entire flight regime. Maintained flight currency in 8 different models of corporate aircraft. Responsible for all aspects of flight including flight planning, handling, customs and immigration procedures, fueling and overnight procedures as well as passenger and customer comfort. Developed training program for Demo department explaining the use of engine out obstacle departure procedures as prescribed in FAA AC 120-91. Assisted safety officer with IS-BAO certification preparation for department safety program.
International Clearance Operations Director
Analyzes mission requirements and aircraft accessibility constraints combined with international diplomatic and DOD Foreign Clearance Guide policies to develop diplomatic clearance plans.
Assistant Chief, Standardization and Evaluation Division,
C-9 Evaluator Pilot 07/2001 – 09/2005
Lead C-9 evaluator pilot for over 60 aircrew members. Supervised 13 evaluators operating 5 different types of airlift aircraft. Advised group commander on aircraft operations and personnel qualifications in order to meet wartime goals. Developed local guidance to standardize procedures for all assigned aircrews flying multiple aircraft types. Planned and commanded a crew of 8 or more on aero medical and distinguished visitor missions throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East as well as trans- oceanic. Operations group leader of three-ship deployment to Rwanda supporting Darfur humanitarian relief operations.
Chief, Standardization Evaluation, Assistant Operations Officer 09/1998 – 07/2001 Supervised squadron standardization/evaluation program and maintained flight evaluation records for 33 assigned aircrew members of an aero medical airlift squadron. Commanded a crew of 8 or more on missions worldwide. Managed 4,344 squadron flying hour program and $215K annual budget. Evaluated and recommended changes to programs, technical orders, and operational procedures to improve safety and efficiency of operations.
Aircraft Flight Test Director, C-141 Instructor Pilot 08/1997 – 08/1998
Lead test teams evaluating operational effectiveness and suitability of new and improved aircraft, aircraft subsystems, support equipment, and employment tactics. Developed test plans, reports and briefings for HQ AMC staff. Coordinated operational testing with AF, Navy, and Army organizations, joint agencies, non-DoD government agencies, industry representatives, and allied test organizations. Maintained qualification as C-141 instructor pilot, airdrop/air-refueling trained.
Assistant Chief of Safety 21st Air Force, C-141 Instructor Pilot 11/1995- 08/1997 Developed and interpreted flight safety policies for the 21st AF Commander and staff. Oversaw 21st AF flight safety programs for over 300 aircraft and associated personnel located throughout the eastern half of the US and Europe. Provided mishap prevention advice and assistance to all subordinate unit commanders. Recognized expert in bird hazard reduction, worked with Navy and Spanish to control bird hazard at Rota NAS. Developed safety database that was later adopted as the AF model. Maintained qualification as C-141 instructor pilot.
Squadron Safety Officer, T-38 Instructor Pilot 02/1993 – 11/1995
Taught the principles and techniques used in operating high-speed jet aircraft. Supervised eight squadron flight safety officers and administered ground and flight safety programs for approximately 120 trainees and 100 instructor pilots. Bird Strike Hazard reduction plan proposed as AF model. Awarded Headquarters AETC Lahm Trophy for best flight safety program in the command.
Chief of Flying Safety, C-141 Instructor Pilot 07/1988 – 02/1993
Commanded a crew of 5 or more on worldwide missions transporting personnel and materials in support of national objectives. Responsible for implementing the flying safety program for an airlift wing comprised of over 180 active duty and reserve aircrews operating 52 aircraft. Trained all personnel involved in accident investigations and flying safety programs. Developed wing safety policies to meet requirements of strategic and combat airlift operations. Investigated numerous C-141 accidents and incidents.
Professional Associations and Activities
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) – Completed over 100 investigations International Society of Safety Professionals (ISSP) – Level 4 Safety Professional
Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisor Council Member
National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
Awards
2014 Winner of Eugene Cernan Safety Award, presented by Bombardier at the annual Safety Standdown
Articles and Publications
Birds in the Vicinity of the Airport, presented at 2011 North American Bird Strike Conference
Has experience working with FAA, and NTSB as well as DOD. I currently possess an Airline Transport Pilot: Multi-engine Land, DC-9, L-300 CE-525, CE-500 and CE-560XL. Commercial Privileges: Airplane Single-engine Land, Multi-engine Instructor (MEI), Instrument Instructor (CFII), UAS Pilot Certificate, Dispatch Certificate. FAA Class 1 Medical.
Academic Background
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 2003
Masters of Aeronautical Science in Aviation/Aerospace Systems
United States Air Force Academy 1987
Bachelor of Science
Credentials
Flight Experience:
Total Time: 7000 hrs
PIC: 1400 hrs
PIC Jet: 3800 hrs
SIC: 1641 hrs
Instructor: 1603 hrs
Evaluator: 126 hrs
Technical Training:
- USC, Flight Safety Officers Course, Human Factors Course, Helicopter Accident Investigation Course NBAA Safety Management Systems training
- FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) courses: 100, 200, 300 and 700
- International Business Aircraft Council SMS training certificate
- Jet Engine Mishap Investigation Course
- USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training
- USAF Advanced Instrument School
- Introduction to Test and Evaluation
- Fundamentals of Acquisitions System Management
- OSHA 10 Hour General Industry
Professional Experience
- RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, 2022 to present.
Aviation Pilot and Safety Expert
- Midwest Transplant Network 07/2021 – 11/2022
Aviation Manager
Manage aviation operations for a small part 91 operation. Currently operating a CJ3+ throughout Kansas and Missouri transporting surgical teams, family support members, organ recovery specialists and organs. Responsible for all aspects of operation including, but not limited to scheduling, maintenance, training, charter and expenses.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 05/2017 – 06/2021
Director, Robertson Safety Institute and Department Chair Safety Sciences
As Director, responsible for oversight of the RSI professional education, outreach and consulting programs as well as the aircraft crash lab and ergonomics lab. Training programs blend the best in science and educational techniques to help professionals learn the newest safety techniques and advance professionally. As Department Chair, responsible for the Master in Safety Science program as well as undergraduate safety programs. Manage five budget programs totaling $1 million and 7 direct reports. Delivered training to ANAC of Brazil on safety performance indicators and CAA of New Zealand on helicopter accident investigation. Currently teaching courses in Airport Operations, Flight Safety, Safety Management Systems, Emergency Management and Dispatch Operations.
- Air Methods 12/2016 – 05/2017
Pilot
Fixed wing Part 135 pilot flying the King Air 200 dual pilot. Responsible to ensure aircraft is airworthy and weather conditions are suitable to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM).
- Air Artic 04/2016 – 09/2016
Pilot
Single pilot IFR Part 135 on demand and scheduled service flying PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, to remote areas of central and northern Alaska. Transports tourists, local villagers and cargo to dirt/gravel airfields utilizing both IFR and VFR procedures.
- BP America 09/2012 – 12/2015
Aviation Advisor
Set requirements and provided advice, assurance, and key learning’s to help manage aviation risk for fixed and rotary wing operations worldwide. Monitor and maintain company standards to include interpretations of standards for aviation operations. Performs safety and quality audits of helicopter and fixed wing operations globally and maintains a technical dialogue with operators, vendors and aircraft manufactures. Utilized CAP 437 and other pertinent documents to review helideck safety procedures. Member of company Mishap Response Team, trained in the use of the FEMA Incident Command System. Perform assessments of contracted aviation operators, with emphasis on Safety Management Systems, required to place or retain operators on the approved vendor list. Assisted with development of first Oil and Gas Industry UAS standards (IOGP). Utilizes technical writing background to update and maintain company and Oil and Gas Producers technical publications.
- USAF 08/2011 – 09/2012
Air Safety Investigator, USAF Safety Center
Instructor responsible for: developing, revising and maintaining material for safety education and training courses. Provided personnel with the knowledge and skills to analyze human factors and effectively conduct mishap investigations. Taught students to apply risk management while developing mishap prevention programs in their organizations. Primary member assigned to Major mishap investigations. Provided instruction for international students on mishap investigation and safety program management with emphasis on ICAO Annex 13 while maintaining sensitivity to cultural differences of attendees. Managed aircraft crash lab. Flew C-172 for currency.
Command Safety Officer 09/2009 – 08/2011
Responsible for the oversight of safety programs for thirteen subordinate units, operating 16 different aircraft types, throughout the Pacific region. Conducted staff assistant visits and audits of subordinate units to assess safety program management and effectiveness. Researched current SMS principles, including the use of FOQA data and ASAP self-reporting, to develop procedures for PACAF implementation. Member of Air Force Risk Management Working Group tasked with a complete re- write of Air Force risk management policy. Flew aero club aircraft for currency.
- Cessna Aircraft Company 07/2007 – 09/2009
Demonstration Pilot
Responsible for safe accomplishment of demonstration flights to potential customers worldwide. Flights are designed to allow prospective pilots to fly the aircraft throughout the entire flight regime. Maintained flight currency in 8 different models of corporate aircraft. Responsible for all aspects of flight including flight planning, handling, customs and immigration procedures, fueling and overnight procedures as well as passenger and customer comfort. Developed training program for Demo department explaining the use of engine out obstacle departure procedures as prescribed in FAA AC 120-91. Assisted safety officer with IS-BAO certification preparation for department safety program.
- USAF 10/2005 – 06/2007
International Clearance Operations Director
Analyzes mission requirements and aircraft accessibility constraints combined with international diplomatic and DOD Foreign Clearance Guide policies to develop diplomatic clearance plans.
Assistant Chief, Standardization and Evaluation Division,
C-9 Evaluator Pilot 07/2001 – 09/2005
Lead C-9 evaluator pilot for over 60 aircrew members. Supervised 13 evaluators operating 5 different types of airlift aircraft. Advised group commander on aircraft operations and personnel qualifications in order to meet wartime goals. Developed local guidance to standardize procedures for all assigned aircrews flying multiple aircraft types. Planned and commanded a crew of 8 or more on aero medical and distinguished visitor missions throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East as well as trans- oceanic. Operations group leader of three-ship deployment to Rwanda supporting Darfur humanitarian relief operations.
Chief, Standardization Evaluation, Assistant Operations Officer 09/1998 – 07/2001 Supervised squadron standardization/evaluation program and maintained flight evaluation records for 33 assigned aircrew members of an aero medical airlift squadron. Commanded a crew of 8 or more on missions worldwide. Managed 4,344 squadron flying hour program and $215K annual budget. Evaluated and recommended changes to programs, technical orders, and operational procedures to improve safety and efficiency of operations.
Aircraft Flight Test Director, C-141 Instructor Pilot 08/1997 – 08/1998
Lead test teams evaluating operational effectiveness and suitability of new and improved aircraft, aircraft subsystems, support equipment, and employment tactics. Developed test plans, reports and briefings for HQ AMC staff. Coordinated operational testing with AF, Navy, and Army organizations, joint agencies, non-DoD government agencies, industry representatives, and allied test organizations. Maintained qualification as C-141 instructor pilot, airdrop/air-refueling trained.
Assistant Chief of Safety 21st Air Force, C-141 Instructor Pilot 11/1995- 08/1997 Developed and interpreted flight safety policies for the 21st AF Commander and staff. Oversaw 21st AF flight safety programs for over 300 aircraft and associated personnel located throughout the eastern half of the US and Europe. Provided mishap prevention advice and assistance to all subordinate unit commanders. Recognized expert in bird hazard reduction, worked with Navy and Spanish to control bird hazard at Rota NAS. Developed safety database that was later adopted as the AF model. Maintained qualification as C-141 instructor pilot.
Squadron Safety Officer, T-38 Instructor Pilot 02/1993 – 11/1995
Taught the principles and techniques used in operating high-speed jet aircraft. Supervised eight squadron flight safety officers and administered ground and flight safety programs for approximately 120 trainees and 100 instructor pilots. Bird Strike Hazard reduction plan proposed as AF model. Awarded Headquarters AETC Lahm Trophy for best flight safety program in the command.
Chief of Flying Safety, C-141 Instructor Pilot 07/1988 – 02/1993
Commanded a crew of 5 or more on worldwide missions transporting personnel and materials in support of national objectives. Responsible for implementing the flying safety program for an airlift wing comprised of over 180 active duty and reserve aircrews operating 52 aircraft. Trained all personnel involved in accident investigations and flying safety programs. Developed wing safety policies to meet requirements of strategic and combat airlift operations. Investigated numerous C-141 accidents and incidents.
Professional Associations and Activities
International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) – Completed over 100 investigations International Society of Safety Professionals (ISSP) – Level 4 Safety Professional
Bombardier Safety Standdown Advisor Council Member
National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA)
Awards
2014 Winner of Eugene Cernan Safety Award, presented by Bombardier at the annual Safety Standdown
Articles and Publications
Birds in the Vicinity of the Airport, presented at 2011 North American Bird Strike Conference