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Posts classified under: Expert Witness Directory

23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011226 Turbine Specialist and Maintenance, Propeller Driven General Aviation Specialist



Experienced Aircraft Maintenance, Turbine Specialist and Propeller Driven General Aviation Specialist with over 40 years experience in maintenance of aircraft and engine inspection, repair, accident recovery, and investigation.  In excess of 600 aircraft repairs and inspections performed annually. His services and expertise includes aircraft accident investigation, inspection, analysis, technical support, as well as log book and record review. His expertise has benefited attorneys, insurance companies, flight schools, and other organizations seeking insight, research and testimony in aircraft and engine maintenance.  In addition, he is experienced in propeller driven general aviation aircraft, as well as major and regional airlines Part 121, 135, and 91 operations.

 

 




Certification, Licenses and Education

  • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) certified  in aircraft accident investigations

  • I. A. Inspection Authorization Certification, 1985

  • Powerplant License, 1972

  • Airframe License, 1971

  • Aviation High School, Long Island City, NY


 

Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, Consultant as a Maintenance, Turbine Specialist and Maintenance, Propeller Driven General Aviation Specialist.  2014 to present

  • Private Company, Owner/CEO, Airframe & Powerplant mechanic, Chief Inspector (D.O.M./I.A.), over 40 years experience in maintenance of aircraft and engine inspection, repair, accident recovery, and investigation.  In excess of 600 aircraft repairs and inspections performed annually.  1972 to present

  • Contract Maintenance Provider for all airlines at MacArthur Airport, Islip, NY, performing on-call and emergency maintenance service for all aircraft fleet in need of repair, inspection, and technical support.  2002 – present

  • Eastern Airlines, Kennedy Airport, NY.  Licensed Airframe and Powerplant aircraft mechanic (A&P) performing inspections, preventative maintenance, repair, and modification to make aircraft airworthy.. 1973 – 1989

  • Allied Airmotive Flight School/FBO, Airframe and Powerplant aircraft mechanic (A&P) maintaining an established flight school with various makes and model propeller driven aircraft.  Repair, inspect, troubleshoot, modify, overhaul, and log book review.


 

Professional Associations

  • Long Island Business Aviation Association (LIBAA)

  • Aircraft Owners Pilot Association (AOPA

  • Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)

  • National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

  • Lawyer Pilot Bar Association (LPBA)


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011225 Entomological Sciences



Entomologist with over 30 years of experience in Entomological Sciences.  He is an Extension Specialist at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management –Division of Organisms & Environment. A frequent speaker, seminar presenter, and guest lecturer for a variety of groups and organizations.  Over the last twenty years, he has given more than 500 presentations.  In addition, he is a recognized author and co-author of numerous publications in Entomological Sciences.




Academic Background

  • University of California, Berkeley, CA; B.S. Agricultural  Sciences; Area of Specialization: Entomology, 1975

  • University of California, Berkeley, CA; M.S. Entomology; Thesis Title: A Study of Aggressive Behavior in the Brownbanded Cockroach, Supella  longipalpa  (Fabricius) (Dictyoptera, Blattaria,  Blattellidae), 1979

  • University of California, Berkeley,  CA; Ph.D. Entomology; Thesis Title: Host-Insect  Interactions in the California Oakworm/Coast Live Oak Ecosystem, 1989


 

Professional Experience

  • Consultant in Entomological Sciences, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2012 to present.

  • Extension Specialist. Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management, Division of Insect Biology, University of California, Berkeley.  Duties include: guest lecturing, proposal development, research, and publishing on household and structural pests, 1991 to present.

  • Postdoctoral Fellow. Department of Entomological Sciences, University of California, Berkeley.  Research activities include: proposal development, publishing, and research on acorn weevils, California oakworms, and termites, 1988 -1990.

  • Vector Control Coordinator.  San Quentin State Prison.  Duties included: overseeing all indoor and outdoor animal pest and weed control services. Also coordinated vendor pest control services and supervised inmate work crews, 1986- 1988.

  • Staff Entomologist.  IPM Systems, Incorporated.  Duties included: training and supervision of pest control service technicians, and marketing personnel within the San Francisco Bay area, 1982 – 1986.


 

Professional Affiliations

  • Entomological Society of America

  • International Research Group on Wood Preservation

  • Isopterist Society of America

  • Northern California Entomology Club

  • Member Termite Expert Group, UNEP/FAO since 2000


 

Professional Licenses and Certifications

  • California State Structural Pest Control Licenses Branch II and III.


 

Committees

  • Member of UC IPM Urban and Community IPM Committee, 2007 to present.

  • Past member Affirmative Action Committee for the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2006-2009.

  • Past member Cooperative Extension Merits and Promotions, UC Berkeley, 2006-2009.

  • Past member IPM Task Force Committee, California Structural Pest Control Board, 2007

  • Past member IPM for California Schools Committee, 2004

  • Past member Technical Termite Bait Committee, California Structural Pest Control Board, 2002


 

Awards

  • Award in Urban Entomology, Pacific Branch Entomological Society of America, 2002

  • Orkin Outstanding Research Award, 1998

  • Outstanding Manager Award.  University of California, Berkeley, 1995.

  • Chancellor’s Minority Fellowship. University of California, Berkeley, 1988, 1989.

  • Graduate Minority Fellowship. University of California, Berkeley, 1982.


 

Other Activities

  • Participant in Fumigation School, Broward, Florida, 1992.

  • Contributor National Academy of Sciences panel on Urban Pest  Management, 1979.

  • Urban Entomology, with specific interest in termites, woodboring beetles, bed bugs, and ants.


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011224 Senior Aviation Consultant – Maintenance and Operations



Senior Aviation Consultant with over thirty five years of experience in the field of Aviation Maintenance and Management.  While at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, he managed 865 employees in new aircraft completions, product support and support groups.  He served as site manager for US and foreign military program work and worked with State Senate and Assembly to develop aviation tax exemption law. As a member of the Leadership Continuous Improvement Council, he was responsible for cross site standardization and continuing the development of Lean processes with top corporate ranking in improvement. He collaborated with airport authority to develop and initiate site expansion plans. He has provided expert testimony in courts of law.

 

Earlier in his career he managed the maintenance and inspections for 135 operation with 14 aircraft.  He supervised maintenance, maintenance sales, parts, inspections and line departments; and managed the maintenance for 8 aircraft owners. While at West Star Aviation he ran the Operations department completing maintenance and modification to turbine aircraft, including Cessna Conquests, and Citations, Learjets and Hawkers.  He oversaw STC implementation and development for the company. He worked with both Honeywell Engines and Avionics divisions during this timeframe. He started his career at Duncan Aviation working first as an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic and then moving to Team Leader and manager positions.  During this time he worked on multiple turbine and turboprop product lines, as well as accomplishing engine repair work for the engine shop.




Academic Background

  • Doane College,  Lincoln, Nebraska.  Bachelor of Arts. Business with Management Emphasis, Summa cum Laude – 2000

  • Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Associate in Applied Science. Aircraft Maintenance  – 1979.


Continuing Education

  • Leadership at the Peak, Center for Creative Leadership. Colorado Springs, Colorado. Executive Leadership Training  – 2012.

  • Motorola University, Motorola, Incorporated. Chicago, Illinois.  Time Based Competitiveness, trained in team building and total quality management – 1993


 

Professional Experience

RTI Group, LLC – Annapolis, MD. Senior Aviation Consultant – Maintenance and Operations.  May 2014 to present.

 

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation – Appleton, Wisconsin. Vice President/General Manager. November 2008 – March 2014.

  • Managed  865 employees in new aircraft completions, Product Support and support groups. Grew site revenues 30% in 4 years and expanded custom engineering group to meet specialized company Final Phase growth. Site manager for US and foreign military program work and worked with State Senate and Assembly to develop aviation tax exemption law. A member of the Leadership Continuous Improvement Council, responsible for cross site standardization and continuing the development of Lean processes with top corporate ranking in improvement. Collaborated with Airport Authority to develop and initiated site expansion plan.


 

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation – Appleton, Wisconsin.  Director of Service.  April 2007 – Nov 2008.

  • Member of Management Effectiveness cross-site team. Created a reduction of Indirect Non-Salaried expenses by 43% in 2009. Also reduced receivables over 90 days less than 1% from 2008 and implemented SMS system as pilot group. Expanded the capacity of the paint shop by 30% in 6 months. Monitored the Lean processes in Product Support to provide estimated $350,000 savings in 2009.


 

Mayo Aviation – Englewood, Colorado. General Manager of Maintenance.  April 2005 – April 2007.

  • Managed the maintenance and inspections for 135 operation with 14 aircraft. Supervised maintenance, maintenance sales, parts, inspections and line departments. Managed the maintenance for 8 aircraft owners. Also expanded retail maintenance 300% and acted as the accountability manager.


 

West Star Aviation – Grand Junction, Colorado. Vice-President of Operations. May 1999 – April 2005.

  • Created a 20% expansion per year of 7 production departments and a 3 to 5% increase in gross profit in five production areas in 2003. Oversaw profit and loss for 11 departments. Involved in overview of other departments P&L as Senior Manager. Development of Engineering and Quality Control Departments and assisted in planning with Marketing Team. Oversaw the construction on 3 bay paint hangar and 28,000 sq. ft maintenance hangar valued at $3,600,000. Guided Maintenance department to #8 rank in Pro Pilot Survey. He was also a Board of Directors Member and the project manager of the Lear 35 RVSM, a project valued at $1,000,000.


 

West Star Aviation – Grand Junction, Colorado.  Director of Maintenance. February 1997 – May 1999.

  • Managed airframe and engine service departments and handling companywide scheduling. Implemented Lear and Citation programs.


 

Duncan Aviation – Lincoln, Nebraska. Scheduling Coordinator (Final Position). April 1979 – February 1997.

  • Developed and managed scheduling process for 8 departments. Implemented 25 percent reduction in project schedule. Jobs included Mechanic, Team Leader, Assistant Manager, and Resource Director.




Promotion

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011217 Regulatory Specialist



A retired United States Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander.  He is the Regulatory Consultant for RTI Forensics, LLC.  His background in this industry comes from his 29 year career with the United States Coast Guard and obtains expertise experience with providing safety, security and technical engineering consulting services to the marine industry.

 

During his Coast Guard career he sailed as an engineer on two Coast Guard ships, crewed as the senior engineer at two Search and Rescue stations, acted as Chief Engineer at a Coast Guard LORAN station and then managed a Coast Guard repair haul-out facility for search and rescue vessels.  He has developed specialized regulatory expertise in commercial shipping, SOLAS, ISPS, MTSA, MARPOL for large commercial ships, small passenger vessels, with special emphasis on machinery systems, steam propulsion, automation and commercial vessel repair. He also trains Coast Guard regulators on the inspection of wood and composite commercial vessels.

 

 




Academic Background

University of Phoenix, Associates of Arts Technical Management/Marine Engineering, 2001

 

Professional Experience

RTI Forensics, LLC, Hayward, CA, Regulatory Consultant, 2013 – Present

Technical Services LLC – Owner, Maritime, Oakland, CA, 2009 – Present

Eleventh Coast Guard Coast Guard District, Alameda, CA, Program Manager for Domestic Inspection and Casualty Investigations, 2006 – 2009

MSO, San Francisco, CA, Domestic Inspections Department Head, 2001 – 2006

Marine Safety Detachment, Santa Barbara, CA, Assistant Detachment supervisor and Independent Duty Marine Inspector, 1998 – 2001

NASSCO Shipyard, San Diego, CA, Resident Coast Guard Marine Inspector, 1996 – 1998

 

Other Professional Training

Santa Barbara California City College, Mechanical and Architectural Drafting (AutoCAD) courses, 1998 – 2001

ABARIS, Advanced Composite Structures, Fabrication and Damage Repair Phase 1, 2013

International Boat Builders, Exhibition and Conference Sponsored Marine courses, 2009 and 2010

Germanischer Lloyd, Train the Trainer and Approved HazMat Expert course, 2010

Brian Toss & John Koon and Associate, Sailboat Rigging Inspection Techniques, 2009

American Boat and Yacht Council, Accident Investigation, Metal Corrosion in Boats, Composite Boatbuilding, Electrical certification courses, 1997, 2004, 2009 & 2012

Quality Management International (QMI), Maritime Safety Management Systems and Auditing using ISM Code, 2007

QMI, Quality Management Systems Auditor/Senior Auditor, 2006

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, 2003

National Fire Protection Agency, International, National Electrical Code seminar, 2002

United States Coast Guard, Marine Safety Investigating Officer Course, Marine Inspector Course, 1996 – 2000

The Wooden Boat School, Surveying of Wooden and Fiberglass Boats, 1999 – 1998

Captain Franke Marine Surveyors, Inc., Inspection of Marine Composites and Wooden Boats, 1998

Hellier NDT Training, Introduction to Non-Destructive Testing, 1997

General Services Administration, Boston, MA, Total Quality Management Facilitation Skills, 1995

United States Coast Guard (USCG), Executive Leadership training, 1995

 

Professional Associations

American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)

San Francisco Port Engineers Association

 

Awards and Certificates

USCG, Meritorious Service Medal

USCG, Commendation Medal, 2 subsequent awards

USCG, Achievement Medal, 4 Subsequent awards

USCG, Letter of Commendation

USCG, Meritorious Team Commendation, 10 Subsequent awards

USCG, Letter of Appreciation, USCG Training Center

USCG, Turk Award, USCG Training Center

USN, Letter of Appreciation, USS PATTERSON

ABYC, Composite Boat Builder Certificate, 2008

ABYC, Marine Corrosion Technician, 2004

AWS, Certified Weld Inspector, 2004-2009

ABYC, Marine Electrical Technician, 2002

City of Rochester NY, Third Class Stationary Steam Plant Operator License, 1998

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011216 Marine Environmental Pollution Response Specialist



A marine environmental pollution response specialist with over 20 years of experience in environmental emergency response, emergency response planning and training, technical and policy planning.  He had delivered numerous training courses and exercises on contingency planning and response to oil spills and HAZMAT incidents to industry and governments throughout the world.

Has responded to some 50 emergency mishaps such as marine and land-based oil and chemical spills from vessels, trains, industries and natural disasters in the US, Canada and abroad.  He has also served as a shoreline cleanup assessment team leader during the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Louisiana, USA.  He has lead review of governmental emergency programs in order to improve prevention and preparedness activities within a multiple-stakeholders environment.

Provided expert technical and scientific advice to National authorities and oil industry worldwide during marine emergencies, workshop and contingency planning process.




Academic Background

  • Masters of Science – Ecotoxicology – Concordia University, Montreal Quebec, Canada, 1994

  • Bachelor of Science – Microbiology – Laval University, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada, 1992


 

Professional Experience

  • Manager – Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Directorate, Quebec Region, Environmental  Emergencies Section, 2005 – 2009

  • Technical Advisor – International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF), 2003 – 2005

  • Emergency Responder – Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Directorate, Quebec Region, 1997 – 2003

  • Project Manager – Environment Canada, Environmental Protection Directorate, Project Manager, 1992 – 1997


Other Professional Experience

  • Delivered numerous training courses and exercises on contingency planning and response to oil spills and HAZMAT incidents to Industry and Governments in Canada, UK, France, Ireland, Singapore, Taiwan, Egypt, Congo, Kenya,  Senegal, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belize, Maldives, Montenegro, Iran, Russia and Sudan

  • Reviewer of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) training package

  • Contributed to the NEB Arctic Review as one of the authors for the State of Knowledge Review on Fate &  Effects of oil in the Arctic Marine Environment (document submitted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

  • Developed a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Morocco

  • Developed post oil spill monitoring guidelines for the countries of the Black Sea Region

  • Developed Emergency Response Guidelines for marine oil and chemical spills for National Authorities of the Red Sea region

  • Assisted Nigerian oil industry and government  in the  elaboration of a dispersants use policy for oil spills from offshore production facilities and sea going vessels

  • Assisted Senegalese oil industry and government in the elaboration of a dispersants use policy for oil  spills from offshore production facilities and sea going vessels

  • Conducted response capacity assessments for France, Belgium and the Netherlands as part of a  study on response to oil pollution by ships in Europe for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

  • Conducted response capacity assessments for Djibouti and Egypt as part of a study on response capacity to oil spills for the US Navy

  • Participated to risk analysis and contingency planning of a gasoline marine terminal

  • Provided technical advice to a joint industry-community working group regarding risk assessment and contingency planning

  • Participated to the development of a standard operating procedure for dispersants use and in-situ burning for government and industry

  • Principal writer for a technical publication from an international organization for the use of dispersants during oil spills

  • Developed an air monitoring procedure to protect population during large fires


Languages

Fluent in French and English.

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011211 Aircraft Maintenance, Power Plant Maintenance



A US Navy Captain, commercial airline pilot, former senior NTSB accident investigator, aerospace engineer and airframe & power plant mechanic with over thirty-eight years of aviation experience.  As an aerospace engineer, he was involved with JT9D engine development and FAA certification testing with Pratt & Whitney. Later, he joined the NTSB where he served on the Go-Team as a powerplant specialist in the Aviation Engineering Division and a US accredited representative in the Major Investigations Division.  He flew the Lockheed S-3A aboard USS Constellation, culminating in commanding Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR-53), flying the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.  He left the NTSB in 1999 to become a commercial airline pilot with Atlas Air flying the Boeing 747-400 and later with Southwest Airlines flying the Boeing 737.

 

Throughout his career, he has participated in over twenty major aircraft accident investigations and over thirty engine failure and fire investigations.  Participated in the inspection and review of the airline companies and military units in which he has been associated.  Currently heads the Go-Team for the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association.  He is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) – Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter.

 




His notable investigations include:

  • Southwest B737 fight 2294, Charleston, West Virginia, 2009

  • Southwest B737 flight 1248, Chicago, Illinois, 2005

  • Swissair MD11 flight 111, Blandford, Nova Scotia, 1998

  • Propair Pro 420 SA-226, Montreal, Québec, 1998

  • Cebu Pacific DC9 flight 387, near Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines, 1998

  • JFK Jr. PA-32 near Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, 1999

  • TWA B747 flight 800, near East Moriches, New York, 1999

  • Hageland Air C208B, Barrow, Alaska, 1997

  • Scenic Airlines C208B, Montrose, Colorado, 1997

  • Great Lakes Aviation 1900C / A90, Quincy, Illinois, 1996

  • Delta Air Lines MD-88 flight 1288, Pensacola, Florida, 1996

  • Garuda Indonesia flight 865, DC-10, Fukuoka, Japan, 1996

  • Atlantic Southeast Airlines, EMB 120RT, flight 529, Carrollton, Georgia, 1995

  • ValuJet DC-9 flight 597, Atlanta, Georgia, 1995

  • Las Vegas Airlines PA31-350, Tucson, Arizona, 1995

  • American Eagle BA3201 flight 3379, Morrisville, North Carolina, 1994.

  • USAir B737 flight 427, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, 1994.

  • KLM Cityhopper flight KL433, Saab 340B, Schiphol Airport, Netherlands, 1994

  • Eagle Aviation SA-26AT, Winchester, Virginia, 1994

  • Federal Aviation Administration A90, Front Royal, Virginia, 1993

  • American Airlines DC10 flight 102, Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas, 1993

  • Evergreen International B747 flight JAL 46E, Anchorage, Alaska, 1993

  • Lockheed High Technology Test Bed L100, Marietta, Georgia, 1993

  • Kalitta Flying Service Beechcraft C-45G Vopar, Elkridge, Maryland, 1992

  • United States Navy VS-37, S3A, San Diego, California, 1987


 

Academic Background

  • East Coast Aero Technical School (Lexington, MA) – Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic; Feb 74

  • Parks College of Saint Louis University (Cahokia, IL) – Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering (2 Degrees); Aug 77


Continuing Education and Training

  • Aviation Officer Candidate School, U.S. Navy, Pensacola, FL, Aug-Nov 82

  • Naval Safety Officer School, Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA 03 May-11 Jun 92

  • Accident Investigation School, NTSB, Washington, DC Feb 93

  • Jet Engine Mishap Investigations, Phoenix College of Aeronautics, Daytona Beach, FL 25 Jan – 3 Feb 94

  • Aerospace Industries Association Engine Failure Training, the Boeing Company, Seattle, WA 11-16 Jan 96

  • 2nd FAA Workshop on Uncontained Engine Debris Characterization Modeling  & Mitigation, San Ramon, CA 23-24 Jan 96

  • Interface between Flight Crews & Modern Flight Deck Systems, FAA, Washington DC 18 Jun 96

  • AIA Transport Committee (TC) Propulsion System Malfunction (PSM) + Inappropriate Crew Response (ICR), London, UK 10-12 Jun 97

  • PW 4090 Familiarization, Pratt & Whitney

  • Southwest Airlines Steps 1 thru 4 Required Navigation Performance (RNP), Dallas, TX, Mar 09, Nov 09, Mar 10, Nov 10

  • CAPA Safety Conference, Just Culture, Dallas, TX 26-28 Oct 09


Licenses

  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics License, 15 Feb 74

  • Lockheed L-382 Type Rating 30 Sep 96

  • Boeing 737 Type Rating 4 Feb 99

  • Boeing 747-400 Type Rating Nov 99


Professional Experience

  • RTI Forensics, LLC, Aircraft Maintenance, Power Plant Maintenance, Flight Operations, Reciprocating and Turbine Powerplant Investigation, 2010 – Present

  • Alpine Airways, Fixed Base Operator (FBO), A & P Mechanic, Apr – Aug 74

  • Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Engine Manufacturer, Experimental Engineer, Aug 77 – Jul 82

  • US Navy, National Defense, Pilot, Aug 82 – Feb 90

  • US Naval Reserves, National Defense, Mar 90 – Present

  • California Wings, (FBO), Traffic Watch Pilot / A & P Mechanic, Mar – Dec 90

  • National Transportation Safety Board, Aircraft Accident Investigation, Oct 92 – Sep 99

  • Atlas Air, Air Cargo, Pilot, Sep 99 – Feb 02

  • Southwest Airlines, Scheduled Passenger Airline, Pilot, Mar 02 – Present


 

Professional Associations and Activities

  • International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) – Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter (MARC) Dec 10

  • Naval Reserve Association, Alexandria, VA 16 Dec 99 – Present


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011199 Human Performance

Human Performance Consultant with over 30 years of experience in human performance investigation; in which 26 of those years were with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, DC.  Human performance issues involved in transportation accidents include speech analysis, fatigue, operator impairment, crew coordination, cockpit design, automation, and corporate culture.

Subsequent to his retirement from the NTSB, he participated as a consultant and expert witness in investigations, such as: Technical Specialist for Spanish government agency CIAIAC on the Air Algérie MD-83 accident near Gossi, Mali; Asiana Airlines in connection with Flight 214 accident at San Francisco CA ;  Independent Pilots Association in connection with UPS Flight 1354 accident at Birmingham, AL; Gulfstream Aerospace G IV accident at Hanscom Field, MA, and consultant to aircraft underwriters in the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.

He has also served as an expert witness for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (technical factors limiting speech lie detection) and U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Service (prosecution of manufacturers of an alleged speech lie detector).

 

Academic Background

  • B.A. with distinction, Boston University, Boston, MA

  • M.A. Stanford University, Stanford, CA (Psychology)

  • Ph.D. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Psychology)


 

Licenses

  • Private pilot license


 

Professional Experience

  • RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD. Human Performance Consultant, 2014 - present.

  • Consultant/Expert Witness, 2013 – present.

    • Consultant to aircraft underwriters in the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.

    • Technical Specialist for Spanish government agency CIAIAC (Comisión de Investigation de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviatión Civil) in connection with the Air Algérie MD-83 accident near Gossi, Mali (2014).

    • Consultant to Asiana Airlines in connection with Flight 214 accident at San Francisco CA (July 2013).

    • Consultant to Independent Pilots Association in connection with UPS Flight 1354 accident at Birmingham AL (August 2013).

    • Consultant on mid-air collision at Hampton NY (plaintiff).

    • Consultant on Gulfstream Aerospace G IV accident at Hanscom Field, MA (2014).

    • Previously served as Expert Witness for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee (technical factors limiting speech lie detection) and U.S. Department of Justice (prosecution of manufacturers of an alleged speech lie detector).





  • Human Performance Investigator, National Transportation Safety Board, Washington D.C., 1986-2012:

    • Human performance specialist on NTSB go-team launches, major investigations, and public hearings, including those involving large commercial aircraft, corporate aircraft and general aviation accidents, as well as marine, rail, and highway crashes.

    • Chief, Human Performance Division, Office of Aviation Safety (2007-2009)

    • Instructor, NTSB Training Center (“Human Performance Investigation,” “Investigating Human Fatigue,” and “Witness Interviewing”) (2004-2012)

    • NTSB investigations included:

      • Midair collision of Aeronaves de Mexico DC-9 with Piper PA-28 over Cerritos, CA (1986)

      • USAir B-737 accident at Alequippa, PA (1994)

      • Valujet DC-9 accident in the Everglades (1996)

      • Korean Air B-747 accident at Guam (1997)

      • Egyptair flight 990 crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Newport RI (1999)

      • Midair collision in Brazil between Gol Transportes Aéreos B-737 and Embraer Legacy business jet (2006); human performance support to Brazilian authorities

      • Crash of Spanish MD-82 at Madrid Spain (2008);human performance support to Spanish authorities

      • Crash due to fuel exhaustion of Air Methods Eurocopter AS350 helicopter on EMS flight near Mosby, MO (2011)

      • Alaska Airlines MD-83 accident in Pacific Ocean off CA coast (2000)

      • American Airlines A300 separation of vertical stabilizer, NY (2001)

      • American Eagle BAE-J3201 crash short of runway at Kirksville MO (2004)

      • US Airways A320 birdstrike/ditching (“Miracle on the Hudson”)(2009)

      • Singapore Airlines B747 wrong runway takeoff at Taipei Taiwan (2000) (support of Taiwan authorities)

      • Air France Flight 447 crash in Atlantic Ocean (2009) (support of French authorities)

      • Avient Airlines MD-11 runway overrun during takeoff at Shanghai China (2009) (support of Chinese authorities)

      • Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 crash upon landing at Riyadh Saudi Arabia (2010) (support of Saudi authorities)






 

Honors

  • NTSB National Resource Specialist—Human Performance (2001)

  • Recipient of NTSB Chairman’s Award (2000)

  • Recipient of NTSB Employee Peer Award (2000)

  • Chapter President, International Society of Air Safety Investigators (1984-86)

  • Recipient, National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship (1968-1972)

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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011196 Fire Protection Engineering, Fire and Explosion Investigator



This expert has over 40 years of experience in fire safety science, having been the first person to earn a Ph.D. in Fire Protection Engineering in 1976. He currently specializes in lending fire safety science support to investigations of fires and explosions.   He is a Principal Member of NFPA’s Technical Committee on Fire Investigations, which develops the standard guide for investigation of fires and explosions, NFPA 921.

He is also well known for having invented the Cone Calorimeter and the large-scale (furniture) calorimeter while he was doing research for NIST.  Both of these apparatuses are based on the oxygen consumption principle and are in use in laboratories around the world.  He has authored over 300 technical publications, regularly teaches groups of fire investigators, and lectures at scientific symposia.  He is currently working on a new book on Electrical Fires and Explosions.




Science and engineering expertise and work areas

  • instrument design

  • physics

  • heat transfer

  • civil/structural engineering

  • electrical engineering

  • combustion science

  • analytical chemistry: methods for gas analysis

  • infrared spectroscopy

  • full-scale engineering performance testing


Within fire safety science and fire protection engineering:

  • fire resistance

  • fire toxicity

  • fire testing

  • electrical fires

  • electrical explosions

  • electrical arcs

  • furniture flammability

  • fire corrosivity

  • ignitability

  • self-heating and spontaneous combustion

  • failure analysis

  • ignition of fires from electric faults and failures

  • flame spread

  • explosions

  • heat release rate

  • computer fire modeling

  • pool fires

  • smoke production

  • computer methods for handling of fire test data

  • design and development of fire test ap­paratuses and in­strumenta­tion


Education

Graduate:

University of California, Berkeley, Ph.D., Fire Protection Engineering, 1976.  Was the first person ever to be awarded a Ph.D. degree in Fire Protection Engineering.
University of California, Berkeley, M.S., Structural Engineering, 1972.

Undergraduate:

Swarthmore College, A.B., Physics, 1968. Also, concentration in electrical engineering.

 

Professional experience

2002:   Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Adjunct Full Professor, Spring Semester. Taught Special Topics—Ignition Phenomena in the Dept. of Fire Protection Engineering.

1998:   University of British Columbia. Lecturer, Winter Session. Taught fire dynamics to Master’s degree students in the Fire Protection Engineering program.

1977 ‑ 1993 : National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center for Fire Research/BFRL, Fire Prevention Engineer (note that prior to 1988 NIST was called the U.S. National Bureau of Standards). At NIST, he headed up various programs and research groups in the area of materials flammability, fire toxicity, test method develop­ment, upholstered furniture flammability, building code fire safety requirements, and fire resistance.

1973 ‑ 1976 : U. of Califor­nia, Fire Test Laboratories, Research Specialist. During his work at UCB, he specialized in fire modeling, test furnace design and fundamental studies on fire endurance.

1969 – 1971 : U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Civil Engineer. He designed roads, bridges, and waterworks for the Army Corps of Engineers.

1968 – 1969 : University of Pennsylvania, Assistant instructor, Physics department. He taught laboratory courses to physics undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Society memberships

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (since 1973)

  • The Combustion Institute (since 1975)

  • International Association of Fire Safety Science (since 1989)

  • International Association of Arson Investigators (since 1996)

  • International Code Council; formerly ICBO (since 1993)

  • National Fire Protection Association (since 1975)

  • Society of Fire Protection Engineers (since 1991; grade of Fellow)


 

Technical committee participation

  • ANSI US National Committee Technical Advisory Group for IEC/TC 108 Safety of Electronic Equipment, Member (2012- ).

  • ASTM Committee D-9 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials, Member (1991- ).

  • ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics, Member (1996- ).

  • ASTM Committee E‑5 on Fire Standards (1973 -  ); served as Chairman of Subcommittee E-5.21 on Smoke and Combustion Products (1998 – 2003).

  • ASTM Committee E-27 on Hazard Potential of Chemicals, Member (1999- ).

  • ASTM Committee E-30 on Forensic Sciences, Member (2004- ).

  • International Association of Fire Safety Science – management Committee (2005-  )

  • ISO Technical Commission of Fire Safety, TC 92/SC 1/WG 2 Working Group on Ignitability, Assigned U.S. expert.

  • NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Investigations, NFPA 921, Member (2006-  ).

  • NFPA Safety to Life/Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents, Member (1994- ).

  • SFPE Standards Making Committee on Calculating Fire Exposures to Structures Calculating Fire Exposures to Structures, Member (2004- ).

  • SFPE Task Group on Fire Exposures, Member (2002-2004).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 723 Surface Burning Testing of Building Materials, Member (2003-  ).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 1040 Fire Tests of Insulated Wall Constructions, Member (2004-  ).

  • UL Standards Technical Panel STP 1820 Fire Tests of Pneumatic Tubing and Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Flame and Smoke Characteristics (2005-).


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011188 General and Air Carrier Aviation and Military Operations



Experienced aviation expert with over 25 years of experience as a pilot, instructor, examiner, and operations manager in both air carrier and military operations.  He is also a licensed Florida attorney who has worked in insurance defense and understands the pressures of trial preparation and the use of expert witnesses and technical experts in litigation.

He has over 17 years in Part 121 air carrier domestic and international line operations, management, advanced training and FAA regulatory coordination for Delta Air Lines and is skilled in SMS, Human Factors, CRM, safety and standards evaluation.  In addition, he is experienced in development of international routes and facilities and has served as an Operations Control Center Flight Operations Manager.

He has 20 years experience in military flight operations, flight training, base management, budget and accounting programs, as well as being experienced in Tactical Operations, Strategic Airlift, and Advanced Jet Training.  He is a prior USAF Safety Investigation Board Member, USAF Command Pilot, and Master Instructor.

He is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Engineering Aviation Safety and Security Program and experienced with current ideas and management approaches to aviation safety and security.  He is a trained accident investigator/trial attorney with in-depth knowledge of litigation strategies and expert witness testimony.  In addition, he is a certified Aviation Safety and Compliance Auditor familiar with U.S. and foreign regulatory systems.




Academic Background

• Juris Doctorate – Levin College of Law, University of Florida (2008)
 Member in Good Standing - Florida Bar - Licensed to practice in Florida Courts
 Member - ABA Air and Space Law Section, Lawyer Pilots Bar Association.

• Master of Business Administration – Midwestern State University (1986)

• Bachelor of Science – Business Administration – Cornell University (1977)

Ratings and Certifications

Civil:

  • Airline Transport Pilot – Airplane Multiengine Land B-737 B-757 B-767

  • Commercial Privileges - Airplane Single Engine Land

  • L-300

  • Aircrew Program Designee/ ATP B-737


Military:

  • USAF Command Pilot/ Master Instructor

  • A-10 Thunderbolt II Mission Pilot

  • T-38 Talon Instructor/ Flight Examiner

  • A-37 Dragonfly Mission Pilot (A-FAC)

  • C-141 Starlifter Aircraft Commander


Additional Education and Training

• USAF Air Command and Staff College
• Marine Command and Staff College
• Joint Air Ground Operations School
• Army Special Airborne School
• USAF Comptroller Finance School
• IBAC IS-BAO Auditor Training Program
• USC Accident Investigation Program
• USC Safety Management Program
• USC Human Factors Program
• USC Aviation Law Program
• USC Technical Witness Program

Professional Experience

RTI, Stevensville MD - Air Carrier Aviation and military Operations consultant - 2015 - current

 

Aviation Consultant/ Attorney – Pensacola, FL (Current)

  • Providing contract consulting services for development of Aviation Quality and Safety Management Systems for risk assessment, risk mitigation and operational efficiency.

  • Aviation Safety Systems Auditor for commercial and governmental operations.

  • Forensic accident investigator providing detailed causal analysis using physical evidence, recorded flight data, human factors data, pilot and aircraft records to identify root cause in support of litigation activities.

  • Independent legal practice focusing on FAA regulatory affairs, compliance and enforcement actions.


Chief Operating Officer/ General Counsel – Parcell Laboratories, Inc. – Boston, MA (2011-2014)

  • Provided leadership for all aspects of company operations to include management of administrative and technical personnel, operating facilities, quality assurance, accounting, regulatory compliance and legal affairs. Negotiated complex development agreements with U.S. and foreign partners.

  • Instituted risk mitigation and quality control strategies for complex and sensitive biologic manufacturing processes.


Attorney/ Special Counsel – Galloway Johnson Tomkins Burr & Smith PLC – Pensacola, FL (2010-2011)

  • Insurance Counsel - Maritime, transportation, product liability and general liability defense litigation. Performed investigations, forensic analysis, case development, negotiations and trial practice on behalf of insured parties.


Assistant State Attorney – Florida 8th Judicial Circuit (2008–2009)

  • Responsible for all aspects of case management to include investigation, negotiation, litigation and settlement. Highly experienced in witness interviewing and deposition techniques.


Flight Operations Supervisor/ Examiner/ B-767 Captain (Retired) – Delta Air Lines Inc. (1987 – 2004)

  • Coordinated air carrier operating policies and procedures for over 10,000 pilots conducting 2400 daily flights worldwide via written guidance, briefings and instructional curriculum development.

  • Pilot in Command for B-737, 757, 767 aircraft, B-737 Instructor and Evaluator.  Additional 2000 hours as advanced simulator instructor and evaluator in AQP training.  Additional experience as a B-727 Flight Engineer, Engineer Instructor and Line Operations Evaluation Check Airman.

  • Performed flight instruction and evaluations utilizing advanced simulation devices. Coordinated courseware development for instruction in domestic and international flight procedures.  FAA Designated Air Program Evaluator for B-737 type ratings.  Performed functional check flights for aircraft airworthiness qualification.

  • Member Corporate Strategic Venture Committee for joint venture and acquisition opportunities.

  • Performed management assistance training and operational support for foreign airline partners seeking to amend their Operating Certificates and Operations Specifications.


United States Air Force – Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) (1977–1997)

  • USAF Command Pilot – A-10 Mission Pilot (Experienced in Attack/Forward Air Control/CSAR); Fighter Electronic Combat Instructor; Unit Weapons Officer for tactical training; A-37 Forward Air Controller; C-141 Aircraft Commander and T-38 Advanced Jet Training Instructor/ Evaluator.

  • CSAR Mission Coordinator – A-10 Combat Search and Rescue alert response forces for 4404th Air Expeditionary Wing SWA Theater to provide CSAR support for Allied forces operating over Iraq.

  • T-38 Chief of Training Standardization – 80th FTW (AETC) - Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training. Responsible for instruction, standardization and evaluation of multi-national instructor cadre from eleven countries in advanced jet procedures.

  • Comptroller Division - Accounting and Finance Officer – Supervised over 100 civilian and military technicians in base accounting, auditing and management analysis functions.

  • Executive Officer - McGuire AFB, N.J. – Base Commander’s representative for airbase projects to include contracting, manpower, facilities and airfield operations.

  • Operations Officer – Guyana Peoples Temple Humanitarian Recovery - Fully responsible for work assignments, facilities support, health, welfare and supervision of over 500 military and civilian workers in the recovery and forensic identification of human remains.


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Author rtiAdmin
23
Oct
Date October 23, 2024

011179 Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations



Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant with many years of forensic, utility and project management experience.  He is an experienced investigator, engineering reviewer, and engineering manager.  He has extensive experience as a senior project engineer with substation design, construction management, customer engineering and system planning experience.

Mr. Simpson has experience with all phases of utility operations including design, distribution, transmission, substation, relaying, generation, plant accounting, systems planning and materials management. He designed and built the first multi story SF-6 gas bus substation involving 69 kV high pressure oil filled pipe type cable supply in the Washington, DC area.; and oil and paper supply feeders include 13kV paper and lead, 34kV and 69kV low-pressure oil filled cable, 69kV, 138kV, and 230kV high-pressure oil filled pipe type cable.  Experience also includes a number of 34kV and 69kV low-pressure oil filled cable river crossings involving armored cable, divers, long high-tension pulls and very critical time schedules.  Construction scheduling and coordinating at project and corporate levels.  Computer system development for construction scheduling and materials management systems.  Materials management experience includes corporate purchasing, stores, inventory control, investment recovery, materials systems and disposal of hazardous waste.

Has acted as an arbitrator and given testimony in depositions and in court.




Academic Background

  • B.E.E., Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Villanova University, 1962

  • Graduate Courses, Protective Relaying, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1963-1964

  • College of Business Administration Management Development Program, Northeastern University 1983-1984

  • Southeastern Electric Exchange Utility Management Program

  • Taught Materials Management, University of Tennessee Utility Program

  • Taught Fault Tree Analysis, Zurich-American Risk Engineering, 1991


 

Professional Experience

  • Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant, RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, 2005 – present.

  • Electrical Engineer and Utilities Operations consultant, Reynolds Technologies International/FTI Consulting, Annapolis, MD, 2003 – 2005.

  • President and Principal Engineer, private consulting, 1997 – present.  Investigates electrical contact cases and electrical engineering questions.  Focus on utility-related issues dealing with electrical contact, code interpretations, emergency response to system distributions, power and distribution dispatching issues.  Cases include electrical contacts involving ladders, cranes, aerial trucks, telephone trucks, cable TV, gas and electrical personnel and the general public.  Electrical failure of power plant and substation switchgear, transformers, commercial equipment including switchgear, switchboards, power cables and residential services.  Safety reviews electrostatic spraying systems, fire truck electrical systems, and electrical origin fires.  Conducts safety surveys, reviews joint line agreements and arbitrates disputes based on electrical issues.

  • Consulting Director, Utility Group, FTI Corporation, Annapolis, Maryland, 1990-1997.  Focus on utility industry, electrical contact, code interpretation and EMF issues.  Directs and investigates electrical contact cases, electrical engineering questions and engineering animation presentations.  Cases include a wide variety of electrical contacts involving ladders, cranes, aerial trucks, telephones, cable TV, utility personnel and the general public.  Safety review of electrostatic spraying equipment, contamination of electrical equipment and electrical origin fire.  Safety program surveys of CATV companies and review of joint line agreements, utility contractor agreements, and related safety and contractual issues.

  • Materials Manager, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1980‑1990.  Administered major construction and maintenance contracts for operating groups including production plants, and transmission and distribution systems.

  • Project Manager, Materials Management Information System, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1979-1980.  Directed the development of a corporate system for cataloging, tracking, forecasting, counting, issuing, receiving, and accounting for stock material including computer system development.

  • Manager, Construction and Budget Coordination, Potomac Electric Power Company, Washington, D.C., 1972‑1979.  Created and managed a department responsible for the development and control of corporate construction expenditures including reporting to the Board of Directors.  Directed monthly construction meetings, issued scheduling progress reports, and prepared and explained monthly and annual operating budgets.

  • Senior Project Engineer, Substation Design, 1966 – 1972.  Designed, built and modified distribution through high voltage substations ranging from 4kV through 500kV.  Facilities included specifications and drawings for all major power equipment such as transformers, switchgear, relaying, supervisory, station service, switching and supply considerations.  Coordinated with T & D, Civil and Substation engineering on building and feeder requirements.  Project Team Member for design of construction management computerized scheduling system.

  • Engineer, System Planning, 1962 – 1965. Assisted in the analysis and planning of distribution and subtransmission systems.  Performed load flow and system stability analysis.  Worked on interconnection high voltage studies involving PJM companies and power dispatching considerations.


Professional Associations

  • National Society for Professional Engineers

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

  • Edison Electric Institute, Materials Management and Procurement Systems Subcommittee

  • Southeastern Electric Exchange, Materials Management Task Force

  • Purchasing Management Association of Washington, Chairman Ethics; committee to review National Association of Purchasing Management ethics policy

  • Utility Purchasing Management Group, Executive Committee

  • American Arbitration Association’s Panel of Arbitrators


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Author rtiAdmin
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