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Posts classified under: Expert Witness Directory

07
Oct
Date October 7, 2024

011303 Civil Structural Engineer

Summary


This expert has substantial engineering experience on both domestic and international projects in the areas of project/construction management, consulting engineering, design, contract administration and construction claims analysis and resolution.  He has provided expert testimony in mediation, arbitration, and various courts on issues of engineering and construction. He has been the lead engineer for security/threat/vulnerability analyses and design for a major utility and several port and transportation facilities on the East Coast. His professional experience includes the design of structures, environmental engineering remediation, building codes, civil engineering, construction, construction safety, explosions, forensic engineering, geotechnical engineering, mining, safety engineering, seismology, and vibration analysis.  This expert developed his expertise through education and practice in the areas of structural, environmental and civil engineering.  This expert is a recognized expert in engineering standards and codes including BOCA, ANSI, ASTM and EPA regulations. He has taught civil and structural engineering courses at the United States Military Academy. He presents seminars and courses to industry interest groups and has been a speaker at national and international conferences. This expert has also produced deposition and court testimony in support of litigation as an expert witness.




 

Academic Background

Doctor of Philosophy - Civil Engineering (Structures), 1978. University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

Master of Business Administration - Finance, 1981. Long Island University (C.W. Post Center) Greenvale, NY

Master of Science - Civil Engineering (Structural Dynamics), 1972, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

Bachelor of Science - Engineering, 1967; United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

 

Professional Experience

RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Civil Structural Engineer; February 2021 to present.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1967-81

EXXON Production Research Company, 1981-86

Woodward-Clyde Consultants, 1986-87

Pilko & Associates, Inc. 1988-90

Personal Company, 1998-Present

 

President, Engineering/Environmental Firm:

Complete company Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for all operations of the firms specializing in Engineering, Environmental, Real Estate, Land Use, Health & Safety and Security consulting.

  • Personally set up all functions for a new operation.



  • Engineer of Record for over 1,000 projects including over 500 for the Wireless Industry.


 

President, Security Consultant Organization:

Organized a group of security professionals for the performance of Threat and Security Assessments and implementing the recommendations provided. This was the only group at the time offering turn-key project expertise through design and construction of both electronic and physical security systems.

  • Lead a team of experts in performing the first post 9/11 Threat Assessment on a major utility.

  • Engineer of Record for the design of anti-terrorist measures at the same major utility.


 

Expert Witness/Forensic Engineer:

Provided expert reports, deposition and court testimony in support of litigation.

  • Lead Engineering expert on one case regarding the Tropicana Garage Collapse in Atlantic City, NJ.

  • Disciplines include Civil/Structural Engineering, Project/Program Management and Control, etc.

  • Former clients include General Motors, Voit Corporation, Carolina Steel and numerous law firms and insurance carriers.


 

General Manager, Environmental Firm:

Manager, East Coast Operations. Complete P&L responsibility for all East Coast operations, products and clients of a national environmental/risk management consulting firm.

  • Opened first full-service office on the east coast.

  • Personally set up all functions for a major regional office.

  • Quadrupled East Coast revenues in first year of operation.

  • Author of only EPA permit for open burning of explosive ordinance in the US.


 

 

Offshore Structures:

Site Evaluation Project Leader, Offshore Structures Division. Identified geotechnical/geological

hazards (including the arctic environment) and predicted their effects on proposed offshore steel, concrete and gravel island structures. Senior Engineering Specialist in Structure Development and Design.

  • Budget Coordinator - Offshore Structures Division.

  • Coordinator for single and multi-platform projects.

  • State-Of-The-Art Studies To Evaluate The Marine Environment.

  • Evaluator of structural concepts: North and Bering Seas.

  • Familiar with every major producing areas in the world.

  • Authored numerous proprietary publications in design.


 

Construction Facilities Manager:

Designed, constructed and managed a major facility including a rock-crushing quarry, asphalt plant, portland cement/lime stabilization plant, soils testing laboratory and a major construction equipment maintenance depot. The facilities group consisted of six Managers/Supervisors and about 280 personnel.

  • Supervised layout, erection and utilization of the complex.

  • Daily output record set by the asphalt plant.

  • Personally set up the entire soils analytical testing laboratory.

  • Several recognitions for outstanding performance.


 

Highway Construction Manager:

Direct Supervisor of all operations for the design and construction and paving of 62.5 kilometers of Class E Highway including the personal design of six major bridges and 138 culvert crossings using both accepted civil codes and military specifications. The Engineer Construction Force consisted of over 1200 men. The Highway was QL-1 in the Republic of Vietnam.

  • Devised the Construction Plan for the entire project.

  • Extensively used CPM/PERT to monitor construction progress.


 

Building Construction Manager:

Project Officer, Field/Office Engineer and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the Washington, DC Bulk Mail Center which was the prototype for thirteen other Centers across the country. Acted as the direct contact in the Washington, DC area between the Office of the Chief of Engineers (OCE) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Experimental mechanical equipment made up approximately 25% of the Project's costs.

  • Managed and controlled up to 28 Subcontractors (Union).

  • Project was completed on-schedule and within expected cost.

  • Received award for exemplary performance.


 

Project Officer, Field/Office Engineer and COR for numerous projects in the Washington, DC area including the construction of the U.S. Postal Service Indoor Rifle/Pistol Range in Merrifield, VA.

  • All projects were completed on-schedule and at or below cost.

  • Received award for exemplary performance.


 

 

Engineering/Remediation Design Manager: Division Manager.

Organized and managed an experienced multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide a comprehensive design capability to an engineering/consulting firm expanding into the waste management design market. The Division included Process, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineers, as well as Designers, Estimators and Specification Writers.

  • Personally computerized all CAD (Designing/Drafting) efforts.

  • Completed first major design project within 120 days of start-up.


 

Other Organizational Experience:

Alumni Society President:

Served as the President of the West Point Society of Philadelphia longer than any other president since its inception in 1926.

  • Quadrupled membership in the first 5 years of tenure.

  • Society was designated as a national “Distinguished Society” nine consecutive times.

  • Established the “Alexander M. Haig, Jr. – Guardian of Liberty Award” in 2000.

  • Chairman, Career Advisory Committee: Personally assisted over 129 Alumni in a successful job search

  • Chairman, Networking Luncheon: Attracted from 50-90 attendees every month for a period of 8 years.


 

Chairman, Condominium Boards:

Served as Chairman of two Condominium Boards (Valley Court Condominiums in Philadelphia, PA and Ocean 17 in Ocean City, NJ).

  • Initiated first Reserve Studies for both organizations.

  • Cut Operating Costs keeping condominium fees in check.

  • Managed and controlled major renovation projects at both facilities.


 

 

International Experience

Executive Assistant:

Served as the Executive Assistant to the Commander of Allied Land Forces, Southern Europe, a NATO 4-Star General. Senior American Officer in the NATO Command Group.

  • Fluent in German, Italian and Friulian (Romanian base).

  • Simultaneous Translator/Interpreter English-German-Italian.

  • Extensive travel experience throughout Europe.

  • Knighted by the President of the Republic of Italy.


 

Military Commander:

Served as Commanding Officer of units in the U.S., Europe and Vietnam.

  • Awarded two Bronze Star Medals in a Combat Zone.

  • Numerous other prestigious awards for service and achievement.


 

 

College Educator:

Former Professor of Civil Engineering and Course Director:

Dept. of Civil Engineering, U.S. Military Academy.

  • Structured, revised and taught courses in Advanced Structural Analysis, and the Honors Course in Structural Analysis and Steel Design. Authored and taught: Soil Mechanics

  • Formerly on USMA (West Point) Faculty: Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

  • Formerly on Faculty: The US Army Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood, MO.


 

Former Adjunct Professor of Engineering:

Department of Civil Engineering, Philadelphia University.

 

Military Experience:

Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve (Ret):

  • Awarded Legion of Merit.

  • Vietnam Veteran holding many awards including 2 Bronze Stars.

  • GRADUATE: U.S. Army War College.

  • GRADUATE: U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

  • GRADUATE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Officer Advanced Course.

  • GRADUATE: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Officer Basic Course.

  • Foreign Area Officer (FAO): Specialty: Western Europe.

  • U.S. Department of the Army Program Manager (PM).

  • Airborne (Paratrooper) and Ranger qualified.

  • Schooled/Qualified: Atomic Demolitions, Bridges and Maintenance.

  • U.S. Military Academy Regional Commander/Liaison Officer for Admissions.


 

Professional Affiliations

  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE): IL, TX, PA, MD, FL, DE and NJ.

  • Registered Professional Planner (PP): NJ

  • Formerly UST (Underground Storage Tank) Certified: NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

  • Former Member, National Society of Professional Engineers.

  • Former Member, Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers.

  • Former Member, American Society of Civil Engineers.

  • Member, The Union League of Philadelphia.

  • Life Member: Society of American Military Engineers.

  • Life Member: Association of Graduates, U.S. Military Academy, West Point.

  • Former Member Alumni Support Committee, Board of Trustees: Association of Graduates, USMA.

  • Life Member: West Point Society of New York.

  • Life Member: Alumni Association, University of Illinois.

  • Life Member: West Point Society of Philadelphia.

  • Life Member: Army War College Foundation.

  • Former President: West Point Society of Philadelphia: 1994-97, 1999-2004. Emeritus: 2005-Present.

  • Life Member, Army Athletic Association (AAA).

  • Former Member, Board of Trustees, Southern New Jersey Development Council


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Author rtiAdmin
07
Oct
Date October 7, 2024

50004 – Forensic Accountant CPA, CIA, CGMA



Summary

This expert has over twenty years of professional experience in auditing, accounting, fraud investigation, risk assessment, compliance, internal controls, ethics and consulting.  Effective communicator with excellent organizational, project management and problem-solving skills.  Gifted in collaborating and working with all levels of personnel, and independently completing difficult assignments.




Professional Experience
RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD,
Forensic Accountant, December 2020 to present.

 

Chilton’s, Nashville, Tennessee,
Accounting Consultant, November 2020 – Current
•    Managing all aspects of accounting including invoicing, cash management, accounts payable, general ledger, journal entries, month end close and monthly financial reporting.
•    Developing accounting policies and procedures.
•    Special projects as needed.

 

Robert Half, Nashville, Tennessee,
Accounting Consultant, March 2020 – July 2020
•    Provided support to a company going through an acquisition.
•    Interfaced with external auditors to provide financial based sampling information including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, contracts, fixed assets, depreciation and various financial reports.
•    Assisted in calculating deferred revenues.
•    Analyzed expense and revenue variances.
•    Performed general ledger account reconciliations including fixed assets, depreciation, payroll, intercompany transactions and property tax accruals.

 

Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Nashville, Tennessee,
Manager of Internal Audit, December 2011 – July 2019
•    Managed all aspects of the internal audit function including interviewing, hiring, training, coaching/mentoring, planning and directing work, appraising performance and resolving problems.
•    Managed internal audits including evaluating internal controls, preparation of the audit program, performing/documenting audit test work and issuing the audit report.
•    Assessed risk and applied appropriate audit procedures.
•    Prepared concise written audit reports communicating audit findings and recommendations to executive management.
•    Managed audit staff and consultants for all outsourced projects.
•    Managed the performance of the external auditors.
•    Managed, researched, and investigated reports filed through the fraud hotline.
•    Established and maintained effective internal and external working relationships.
•    Performed the annual risk assessment to develop the annual audit plan based on corporate risks and strategic objectives.
•    Prepared materials for and made presentations to the Audit Committee.
•    Developed and maintained annual operating budget.
•    Developed annual departmental objectives and monitored accomplishments of goals.
•    Documented policies and procedures.
•    Tracked open and closed audit findings on a quarterly basis reporting results to the Audit Committee.
•    Performed semi-annual inventory cycle counts, reconciled ERP records to physical counts and reported on errors identified.
•    Experience working on Six Sigma teams.

Internal Auditor, August 2004 – December 2011
•    Audited department and tenant financial records to ascertain fulfillment of financial and operational responsibilities.
•    Audited a variety of accounting, financial and operational records by applying professional accounting and auditing principles.
•    Performed research on policies, laws and regulations to evaluate compliance.
•    Performed statistical analysis and other methods for evaluating data.
•    Reviewed concessionaire’s annual statement of gross revenues to determine contract compliance and revenue obligations.
•    Identified inefficient practices and assessed alternatives that may yield improvements.
•    Prepared concise written audit reports detailing audit findings and recommendations.

Accountant, June 2002 - August 2004
•    Coordinated monthly close, including financial statement preparation, analysis and reporting.
•    Performed monthly detailed general ledger account reconciliations.
•    Recorded, depreciated, disposed and reconciled fixed assets.
•    Managed all aspects of project accounting from reviewing approved capital invoices for contract compliance to tracking and reporting of capital expenses.
•    Developed annual capital budget with input from CFO and various departments.
•    Reconciled inventory receipts to the general ledger.
•    Assisted in month end accruals.
•    Accounts payable and payroll backup.
•    Expense variance analysis.
•    Prepared monthly parking revenue report for internal distribution.
•    Supported the financial statement audit by preparing schedules and updating footnotes.
•    Prepared board slides and analysis for the CFO.
•    Responsible for federal and state grant administration.
•    Completed special projects that required critical thinking and analysis.

 

Yeary, Howell & Associates, Nashville, Tennessee,
Auditor, July 2001 - June 2002
•    Audited governmental, non-profit and municipal entities.
•    Performed financial audits in areas such as cash, accounts payables, fixed assets and inventory.
•    Assisted in audit procedures from fieldwork to compilation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.
•    Prepared fiduciary tax returns.

 

Academic Background
•    Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, Bachelor of Business Administration, Major:  Accounting

 

Computer Skills
•    TeamMate, Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Epicore, Microsoft Dynamics AX and ABM.

 

Professional Associations and Activities
•    Professional member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Institute of Internal Auditors.

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Author rtiAdmin
07
Oct
Date October 7, 2024

011301 Aeronautical Engineer and Senior Nacelle Design Engineer



A Nacelle consultant with a strong technical background experienced in the development and certification of Nacelles and propulsion systems within depth knowledge of composite structures.  He is knowledgeable and qualified in the areas of: structural design and analysis; development of composite structures; Nacelle integration; propulsion systems development; and certification and continued airworthiness.




 

Professional Experience

RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Aeronautical Engineer and Senior Nacelle Design Engineer, 2019 to present.

Private Company, Germany, Nacelle Consultant,

Nov 2018 – Present

  • New Product Introduction of the Nacelle for the Gulfstream G700 Aircraft on the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 Engine.

  • Rolls-Royce On-site representative at Safran Nacelles in Saclay for the certification of the Nacelle.


Nacelle Systems Consultancy Ltd, Newry Northern Ireland, Chief Engineer (Nacelles) New Markets and Projects,

Jan 2018 – Oct 2018

  • Developing NSC specialist capabilities in aircraft propulsion system design, certification, and expanding the customer base.

  • Working with clients on the advanced concept design of Nacelle and EBU systems architecture, carrying out trade studies, design reviews and helping with pylon integration activities of the propulsion system.


MONO Aerospace Ltd, Ballykelly Northern Ireland, CTO,

Oct 2016 – Dec 2017

  • Responsible for the development of a family of manned and unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed wing aircraft.

  • Led a multifunctional Engineering team in the development of a High Wing T-Tail VTOL airframe utilising Fan-in-Wing, technology with electric motors and battery/hybrid power, remotely controlled with semi-autonomous capability.

  • Specification and selection of all IT infrastructure and Engineering software (Catia V5, Altair Hyperworks and ANSYS CFD).

  • Deputy Chair of the ADS NI Industry council and joint chairman of the Northern Ireland Partnership for Growth (NIPG), Sales & Marketing working group.


 

KCMG Composites, Dublin Ireland, Technical Director and Head of Ireland Operations,

Nov 14 – Sept 16

  • Joined KCMG Composites a start-up company in the composites manufacturing sector, as their Technical Director and Head of their Ireland Operations with facilities in Dublin and Taiwan.

  • Helped to design the facilities and specified/selected all the major capital equipment required for composite, manufacturing i.e. autoclaves, cleanrooms, freezers, ply cutting machines, injection/ infusion machines, test laboratories, 5 Axis CNC machines, ovens, platen presses, prepreg line etc.

  • Specified and selected all IT infrastructure and software requirements.

  • Established company quality management system including AS9100, ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001 accreditation across, all sites.


 

Morson Projects Ltd, Belfast Northern Ireland, Head of Engineering,

Jan 06 – Oct 14

  • Established and grew an engineering consultancy in the fields of aero structure design, tool design, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering and stress analysis for aircraft structures in Belfast.

  • Management of an office of 100 staff that generated an annual turnover over $12 million, with full P&L responsibilities.

  • Delivered engineering services on A330 Wing Box, A400M Wing EIS Mid Fixed Trailing Edge, CRJ700NG Fuselage, CRJ1000 Fuselage, A350-900 Mid & Outer Fixed Trailing Edge, Lear 85 Nose & Wing, C Series Wing & Mid Fuselage and Falcon 5X Moveables.

  • Provided consultancy support on “Door Type” Thrust Reversers for Business Jet Fuselage Side Mounted Applications acting on both the cold fan and hot core flows and Nacelle supply chain.

  • Programme Managed multi-site design, stress and manufacturing teams working on the development of the composite Lear 85 aircraft. Responsible for the nose, pressure fuselage, HSTAB, PAX and OWEE doors composite structure work packages.


 

Aircelle, Paris France, Head of Inlet Cowl, Fan Cowl Door and Exhaust Design,

Feb 05 – Dec 05

  • Led the design, stress and manufacturing teams in the development of the SaM146 Nacelle on the Sukhoi Super Jet 100 program.

  • Provided technical/manufacturing definition of composite carbon epoxy/BMI monolithic and sandwich structures.

  • Tasks included the design of a one-piece composite carbon epoxy sandwich 2DOF acoustic barrel for the Inlet Cowl.


 

Hurel Hispano, Paris France, Chief Engineer Trent 700 Thrust Reverser,

Jun 02 – Jan 05

  • Carried out the Designated Engineering Authority role for Rolls-Royce on Trent 700/A330 Thrust Reverser i.e. primary point of contact with RR for all Engineering matters, ensured compliance to technical specification, ensured requirements of RR change control procedures were met, reviewed and approved all Engineering documents prior to submission to RR, ensured that the requirements of MRB approval were met and reviewed and approved all subsidiary signatories for Engineering and MRB. Furthermore, provided 24/7 engineering AOG cover.

  • Tasks included the continued airworthiness structural justification for disbonded composite carbon epoxy acoustic sandwich panels and the development of non-structural bolted repairs.

  • Additional tasks included the introduction / validation of a new honeycomb for the inner fixed structure composite carbon BMI sandwich acoustic panels i.e. honeycomb strength, bonding validation, fatigue and damage tolerance etc.


 

Hurel Hispano, Burnley England, Chief Engineer HTF7000 Thrust Reverser,

Dec 01 – May 02

  • Primary point of contact with customer on all HTF7000/Challenger 300 Thrust Reverser technical issues.

  • Led the design, development, preparation of certification documents, certification activities, repair schemes and modifications in accordance with customer change control procedures of the world’s first PERT (Planar Exhaust Rear Target) Thrust Reverser.

  • Tasks included the design of a monolithic one-piece composite carbon epoxy fan duct structure with integral forward firewall bulkhead.

  • Additional integration of structure tasks included the design of single piece pivoting doors machined from light alloy forgings and the design of single piece side beams machined from light alloy plate.


 

Hurel Dubois, Burnley England, Principal Project Engineer,

Apr 99 – Nov 01

  • Engineering interface with Chief Engineer Trent 700/A330 Thrust Reverser in Hurel Dubois Paris.

  • Led the UK design team.

  • Led the HTF7000/Challenger 300 Thrust Reverser design team within the program team.

  • Interfaced with stress, certification and manufacturing teams within a concurrent engineering environment.


 

BMW Rolls Royce Aero Engines, Berlin Germany, Propulsion System Designer,

Nov 97 – Mar 99

  • Nacelle Integration role on the BR715 for the B717 Program, working with Nacelle supplier Rohr and Airframer Boeing.

  • Tasks included the design, development, testing and certification of a forced cooling system to keep the EEC within temperature limits with modifications to the Inlet Cowl, Fan Cowl Doors and the EBU.


 

Bombardier Shorts, Belfast Northern Ireland, Senior Nacelles Design Engineer,

Oct 92 – Oct 97

  • Supported Business Development team in winning new Nacelle contracts as part of the Advanced Projects team i.e. advanced concept design of Nacelles, carrying out trade studies, visiting airframe / engine manufacturers, attending air shows, answering RFI/RFQ’s, developing Nacelle BOM’s and Engineering NRC’s, e.g. BR710/GX and GV, AE3007/EMB145 Nacelle programs.

  • Responsibilities also included supervision of in-house design teams on TFE731-40/Dassault F50EX and IAI Astra SPX Nacelle programs and LF507/Avro RJ Nacelle program.


 

Bombardier Shorts, Belfast Northern Ireland, Nacelles Design Engineer,

Oct 91 – Sep 92

  • Responsibilities included concept design at bid inception stage, generation of design configurations and technical proposals for new composite Nacelle contracts – V2500 A5/A320, V2500 D5/MD90, Trent 700/A330


 

Bombardier Shorts, Belfast Northern Ireland, Graduate Design Engineer, Sep 89 – Sep 91

  • Responsibilities included the creation of engineering detail drawings, assemblies and associated paperwork for composite and metallic Nacelle structures – RB211-535 E4/B757 and RB211-524 G/H3 on B747 program.


Academic Background

  • B.Eng Hons 2.1, Aeronautical Engineering

  • Training:  PRINCE 2


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS)


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Author rtiAdmin
07
Oct
Date October 7, 2024

011175 Air Safety Investigator and Accident Prevention and Preparedness Specialist



Summary

He is a specialist in international aviation accident/incident investigation management, accident prevention, and major accident preparedness.  He has over 40 years experience in aviation safety. He has taught aircraft accident/incident investigation, investigation management, and international investigation procedures and has prepared investigation policy and procedures manuals.  In addition, he has conducted audits of organizations’ abilities to meet existing international standards and best practices for government agencies around the world, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aviation industry organizations, and law firms.  He has also donated time teaching accident investigation and prevention on behalf of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI).

He managed the aviation accident/incident investigation program for Canada as part of a US-Canada government exchange program.  He has presented numerous technical papers at international seminars on the subjects of human factors in transportation accidents and major aviation accident investigation management and taught aviation accident investigation and prevention management, policies, and procedures in the U.S. and overseas, including for the NTSB school from 1982 to 1998.




Academic Background and Aeronautical Ratings

• Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Akron University, 1965
• U.S. Air Force Under Graduate Pilot Training, 1967
• Commercial Airplane, with Multiple-Engine and Instrument Ratings (not current)

Professional Experience

• Air Safety Investigator and Accident Prevention and Preparedness Specialist, RTI Group, LLC, 2006 – Present

• Air Safety Consultant, Safety Services International (SSI), Sammamish, WA, 2000 - 2010

• Transportation Safety Board of Canada,

­ Director of Investigations - Air, managed the aviation accident/incident investigation program for Canada as part of a US-Canada government exchange program, 1999-2000

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), retired 2000

­ Deputy Director, Office of Aviation Safety, 1995-1999.  Assisted Director with the management of the Office of Aviation Safety regional and major accident/incident investigation programs, including oversight of all accident/incident investigations under NTSB responsibility in the U.S. and overseas.  Represented the NTSB for international aviation safety affairs, including working with ICAO.

­ Chief, Major Aviation Accident Division, 1985-1995.  Managed the Investigators-in-Charge of all major aviation accidents in the U.S., and the U.S. Accredited Representatives sent to manage the U.S. teams for major accidents overseas involving U.S. airlines and U.S. manufactured aircraft.  Was directly involved as an investigator or manager for virtually all major airline accidents involving U.S. interests worldwide, during this 10-year period.  Was also responsible for managing NTSB aviation Public Hearings and major aviation accident report and safety recommendation preparation.  Represented the NTSB for international aviation safety affairs.

­ Deputy Director, Bureau of Accident Investigation, 1985.  Assisted the Director with managing the staff of the Marine, Rail, Pipeline/Hazardous Materials, Highway, and Aviation Divisions responsible for major investigations, public hearings, and safety recommendation and report writing preparation.

­ Chief, Human Performance Division – Intermodal, 1983-1985.  Managed the newly-formed Human Performance Division and took it from a “concept to a reality” at the NTSB.  The Division developed a protocol for human factors investigations for all modes of transportation, and institutionalized the protocol for the NTSB and industry.

­ Major Aviation Go-Team Investigator-in-Charge, 1979-1983.  Investigator-in-Charge of major domestic airline accidents and U.S. Accredited Representative for major overseas accidents involving U.S. airlines and U.S. manufactured aircraft.  Was responsible for managing the investigation go-team, organization of, and participation in, public hearings, and safety recommendation and final report preparation.

Investigator at NTSB Denver Field Office, Colorado, 1976-1979.  Investigator-in-Charge of general aviation, air taxi, and air carrier accidents and incidents.  Responsible for managing the investigations and safety recommendation and final report preparation.

­ Human Factors Investigator, Washington, DC, 1972-1976.  NTSB Human Factors Group Chairman (covered post-crash survival factors and human performance issues) on major go-team domestic accidents and specialist on overseas accidents involving U.S. airlines and U.S. manufactured aircraft.

• United States Air Force, F100 fighter pilot in North Africa, T-37 and T-38 maintenance test pilot, and accident investigator, 1965-1971.  Investigated two fatal accidents, as well as many non-fatal accidents and incidents as both pilot and maintenance member of the investigation teams.

Other Professional Experience

• Managed NTSB International Aviation Affairs for 15 years – primary liaison with ICAO

• Led “ice-breaking” delegations to China and Soviet Union in late 1980s on behalf of the US NTSB and the US government

• Led the U.S. side of the joint Soviet Union/U.S. Working Group on Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention from 1989 to 2000

• Contract Instructor and member of Advisory Board – Southern California Safety institute, 2000-2007

• Contract Instructor for the Cranfield University, UK, aircraft accident investigation course, 2006-2007

• International Aviation advisor, Flightscape Inc., Ottawa, Canada, 2002-2007

• Represented NTSB as an observer at European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) annual meetings of the Group of Experts (Chief Inspectors of Accidents) representing most European countries from 1990 to 1999

• Led U.S. Delegations to ICAO AIG Divisional Meetings in 1992 and 1999, at which Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention and other related topics were discussed and amended

• Member of the multi-national team charged with reviewing and amending ICAO Accident/Incident Investigation Manual, 1992-1999

• Led the U.S. team supporting the 1993 ICAO re-investigation of the Korean Air Boeing 747 shoot-down by the Soviet Union in 1983

• Led the U.S. team supporting the 1996 ICAO investigation of the shoot-down of U.S. aircraft by Cuban fighters

• Led the U.S. team for 10 years that developed the memorandum of understanding on Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention between Russia and the U.S., signed in 1998 by the U.S. Secretary of State and the Russian Prime Minister

• Represented the NTSB, as part of the U.S. delegation to the 34th Conference of Directors-General of Civil Aviation, Asia Pacific Region, November 1998, at Kathmandu, Nepal

• Taught aviation accident investigation and prevention management, policies, and procedures in the U.S. and overseas, including for the NTSB school from 1982 to 1998

• Have presented numerous technical papers at international seminars on the subjects of human factors in transportation accidents and major aviation accident investigation management

 

Professional Associations and Activities

• International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI), Vice President, elected October 2002
• ISASI Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter, President 2002
• Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) and FSF International Advisory Committee, Member
• Southern California  Safety Institute, Contract Instructor and Member of Advisory Board, 2000 to present
• Safety Services International, LLC, Associate Member

Awards

• Jerome F. Lederer Award for outstanding lifetime contributions in the field of airplane accident investigation and prevention

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Author rtiAdmin
07
Oct
Date October 7, 2024

011241 Aircraft Accident Reconstruction



He is a retired National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) senior air safety investigator and supervisory air safety investigator.  Concurrent with multiple administrative duties, he also conducted several hundred general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft and FAR 135 and FAR 121 air carrier accident and incident investigations; as well as extensive work on a wide range of aircraft accidents, including TWA 800, Alaska 261, USAir 427.

While at the Federal Aviation Administrative (FAA), he conducted certification of airmen, including commercial pilot and certificated flight instructor certification, instrument ratings, airline transport pilot certification, and type rating of pilots in Learjet, Dassault Falcon 50 and Swearingen Metroliner.  He conducted initial and recurrent FAR 135 pilot certification, reviewed and approved FAR 135 operations manuals and FAR 141 flight school syllabuses.  He also conducted initial certification of FAR 135 operations and FAR 141 certificated flight schools and provided surveillance and inspection of FAR 141 flight schools and FAR 135 air carrier operations, including Learjet and Falcon 50 operators.  He investigated aircraft accidents delegated by the NTSB as IIC (investigator in charge), and assisted on other investigations as FAA IIC.

Earlier in his career, he owned and operated a general aviation fixed base operation with 12 aircraft, including two pressurized multi-engine airplanes.  Operations included single-and multi-engine FAR air carrier operations, FAR 61 instrument, single and multi-engine-flight training, FAA Repair Station, and aircraft refinishing facility.  He functioned at various times as president, director of operations, and director of maintenance.  He also functioned as an assistant chief pilot for a larger FAR 135 operator, and at one time as an assistant chief pilot of a FAR 141 flight school.

He also has approximately 8,500 hours flight time, including in excess of 5,000 hours multi-engine, and in excess of 1,500 hours of dual instruction given.




Academic Background

• University of Montana, BA

Professional Experience

• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Aircraft Accident Reconstruction, 2010 – present.

• Air Safety Consultant, Safety Services International (SSI), Sammamish, WA, 2001-2010

• National Transportation Safety Board, Senior Air Safety Investigator (GS-14) (Retired), and Supervisory Air Safety Investigator (GM-14)

­ Over a ten-year period directed and supervised five Air Safety Investigators, including guidance and oversight of their investigations of over 2000 aircraft accidents.  Directed the development and generation of safety proposals and recommendations to the FAA and industry, as well as preparation and review of associated reports.  Monitored team investigator expenses, conducted performance reviews and performance appraisals, identified and interviewed applicants for investigator vacancies, served as Field Chief, and acting Regional Director in the Regional Director’s absence.  Concurrently conducted several hundred general aviation fixed and rotary wing aircraft and FAR 135 and FAR 121 air carrier accident and incident investigations.  Extensive work on a wide range of aircraft accidents, including TWA 800, Alaska 261, USAir 427.

• Federal Aviation Administration Principal Operations Inspector

­ Conducted certification of airmen, including commercial pilot and certificated flight instructor certification, instrument ratings, airline transport pilot certification, and type rating of pilots in Learjet, Dassault DA-50 (Falcon 50), and Swearingen SA-227 (Metroliner).  Conducted initial and recurrent FAR 135 pilot certification.  Reviewed and approved FAR 135 operations manuals, and FAR 141 flight school syllabuses.  Conducted initial certification of FAR 135 operations and FAR 141 certificated flight schools.  Provided surveillance and inspection of FAR 141 certificated flight schools and FAR 135 air carrier operations, including Learjet and Falcon 50 operators.  Investigated aircraft accidents delegated by the NTSB as IIC (investigator in charge), and assisted on other investigations as FAA IIC.  Investigated and documented FAR violations by pilots and FAR 135 operations.

• Federal Aviation Administration Accident Prevention Specialist

­ Program manager for accident prevention activities, including speaking engagements, assistance and counseling to individual pilots, corporate flight groups, flight schools, instructors, and other general aviation entities.

• Private Airlines First officer, Boeing 727

­ Owned and operated a general aviation fixed base operation with 12 aircraft, including two pressurized multi-engine airplanes.  Operations included single-and multi-engine FAR air carrier operations, FAR 61 instrument, single and multi-engine-flight training, FAA Repair Station, and aircraft refinishing facility.  Functioned at various times as president, director of operations, and director of maintenance

­ Early in career functioned as an assistant chief pilot for a larger FAR 135 operator, and at one time as an assistant chief pilot of a FAR 141 flight school

­ Approximately 8,500 hours flight time, including in excess of 5,000 hours multi-engine, and in excess of 1,500 hours of dual instruction given.

Continuing Technical Education

• American Management Association International Communication and Interpersonal Skills for Technical Boeing Commercial Airplane Group 737-300 familiarization course

• FAA General Aviation Operations Indoctrination

• FAA Accident Prevention Techniques

• FAA Air Taxi Operations and Certifications

• FAA Compliance and Enforcement

• Flight Safety Learjet type rating course

• Flight Safety Falcon 50 type rating course

• Flight Safety SA-226/7 Metroliner type rating course

• Garrett AiResearch TPE331 line maintenance course

• National Test Pilot School Part 25 aircraft certification flight test course

• NTSB Supervisory/Managerial courses

• NTSB leadership and management training, phases I and II.

• Pratt & Whitney PW4000/767 EEC training course

• Teledyne Continental Line Maintenance course

• Transportation Safety Institute rotorcraft safety and accident investigation course

• USAF Composite materials failure analysis course

Certifications

• Aircraft and Power Plant Mechanic with current Inspection Authorization (IA has been active since 1980)

• Commercial privileges: single-engine sea

• Certified flight instructor (Airplane single and multi-engine land, instrument/airplane)

• FAA Air Transport Pilot (Single and multi-engine land)

• Type ratings:  Learjet, DA-50 (Falcon 50), Swearingen SA-227

Awards

• NTSB Outstanding Performance Award 1998

• NTSB Performance Award 1997

• NTSB Superior Accomplishment Award 1995

• NTSB Special Act/Service Award 1994

• NTSB Special Act/Service Award 1993

• NTSB Special Act/Service Award 1992

Selected Publications and Editorial Positions

• Contributing editor, Private Pilot magazine

• Contributing editor, Light Plane Maintenance magazine

• Managing editor, Popular Rotorcraft Flying magazine

• Approximately 100 articles published in Flying, Private Pilot, Aero, Air Progress, Light Plane Maintenance, and other aviation periodicals

• Accident Investigation and the Amateur-built Experimental Aircraft, presented at the 27th Annual International Society of Air Safety Investigators Seminar, Auckland, New Zealand

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