Description
Aeronautical Engineer with over 40 years of aviation experience in accident investigation, reconstruction and aviation safety and a pilot for over 45 years. Participated in the investigation of over 100 fatal and non-fatal general aviation, military and airline accidents throughout the world. He has been responsible for leading a major manufacturer’s participation in domestic and international accident investigation activities. His career has also included serving as a senior aerodynamics and stability and control engineer at a major airframe manufacturer. His wide range of experience in aviation includes amateur-built airplanes, general aviation airplanes, helicopters, corporate jets, and large transport airplanes.
Has provided expert testimony as to his findings in courts of law.
Academic Background
- Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo – 1974
- Various graduate-level courses in Engineering, University of Washington and Washington State University
- Certificate, Safety Program Management, University of Southern California
- NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigation School, Advanced Course
- Boeing 747-400 Ground School, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Professional Experience
- Senior Aeronautical Engineer and Aviation Accident Investigator, RTI Group, LLC, 2010 – Present
- Aviation Safety Consultant and founding partner, Safety Services International LLC, 1999 – 2010
- Air Safety Investigator and Chief Investigator, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 1988-1999
- Contract Engineer, Gulfstream Aerospace, Sikorsky Helicopter Company and Rockwell International Space Shuttle Division, 1984-1986
- Senior Engineer – Stability and Control, Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, 1976-1984 and 1986-1988
- Liaison Engineer, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 1974-1976
Other Professional Experience
- Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Control Systems – Classical Control Theory
- Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Airplane Performance
- ASTM Fire Hazards in Oxygen Systems
Professional Associations and Activities
- Former Associate Staff, FAA Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) Aviation and Environmental Safety Division
- Boeing Spokesman for NTSB Public Hearing, 1997
- Instructor, NTSB Advanced Aircraft Accident Investigation Course
- Instructor, Southern California Safety Institute and University of Southern California Aviation Safety Program
Awards
- Boeing 1984 Annual Inventors’ Award for Elevator Feel System Modification (patented)
Licenses and Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
- President, Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of ISASI
- President, San Francisco Chapter of ISASI
- Past President, Northwest Aviation Insurance Association
- Member, Royal Aeronautical Society, Seattle Branch
- Member, Helicopter Association International
- Family Assistance Foundation, Member
- Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot, Single and Multi-Engine Land and Single Engine Sea
Published Articles
- Use of Non-Volatile Memory for Accident Investigation, 1992
- Safety in Numbers, 2000
- Safety Programs for Small Operators
- ICAO Accident Investigation Manual – Performance, Wreckage Reconstruction chapters under contract with Southern California Safety Institute
- Global Aerospace SM4 Safety Quarterly Magazine – From Where I Sit