Description
An FAA certification expert with over 30 years of diversified aviation experience in the FAA regulatory environment and more than 13 years in engineering management. Involvement ranges from hands-on-maintenance, design engineering, certification program manager as a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) and Organizational Designation Authority (ODA) unit member. Extensive experience in the complete FAA STC process from project inception to STC issuance.
Academic Background
Dec 91
Elizabeth College of Technical and Further Education
- Certificate of Competency; Aircraft Maintenance
- Distinction (Honor Student) 1988 – 1991
- Nominated for Apprentice of the Year
Professional Experience
- RTI Group, LLC, Stevensville, MD, FAA Certification Expert-Avionics, Electrical Systems DER Specialist, June 2021 to present.
- Heron Aero Solutions, Jan 2016 – Present
President/VP Engineering
FAA System and Equipment DER (Electrical) Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29
Responsible for growing and developing company through developing company processes, Company management. Other responsibilities have included project management, sale, marketing, liaison with customers, vendors and the FAA, training, subject matter expert. Involved in DER and FAA process consulting and STC development. The primary quality inspector for the companies PMA capability.
Responsible for all aspects of internal and external engineering projects from major alterations to the complete turnkey STCs. A UM on multiple ODAs and in some cases, the ODA has asked him to be the disciple lead on larger projects. Due to extensive knowledge, he has been sought as subject matter expert for lawsuits. He continued to be the subject matter expert resource for multiple manufacturers who wished to develop internal processes so they can obtain FAA, PMA and TSO for their product.
- AeroMech Incorporated DER and ODA UM 2009- 2016
Systems Engineering Manager
In February 2015, appointed system & equipment (Electrical) DER, Parts 23, 25, 27, and 29 and subsequently an engineering UM under AeroMech ODA.
Involved in the design, integration and certification work of various aircraft systems in corporate and transport airplanes and rotorcraft.
A major contributor to STC certification, both from the aspects of training and development of certification data. Managed all aspect of STC projects both inside and outside of the ODA. Was part of the ODA team that reviewed and controlled the processes within the ODA. On non-ODA STC’s interfaced directly with the FAA ACO as certification manager. Has been the subject matter expert for multiple manufactures who wished to develop internal processes so they can obtain FAA, PMA and TSO for their product.
- Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services, Feb 2007 – July 2009
Avionics/Engineering Manager
Responsible for fostering new business for Andalusia while developing new avionics and engineering department simultaneously. Also responsible for the hiring of personal and training. Instrumental in developing/directing departmental standards and procedures.
Other responsibilities included sales, project management, liaison with customers and FAA, while being involved in mechanical and system design.
Involved in the design, integration and certification work of various aircraft systems in fixed wing and rotorcraft.
Project manager for the TH-57D aircraft revitalization project for the Navy which has included design and guidance on the whole design.
Involved in developing procedures for manufacturing and PMA capabilities.
- Keystone Helicopter Corp., July 2003 – Feb 2007
Electrical Systems evaluation for Systems DERs and the FAA, liaison with other disciplines.
Supported DERs and DAS in all aspects of STC development.
Designated Engineering AR in the DAS for electrical systems and equipment.
Involved in design (CAD), integration, installation, certification documentation and testing of systems. Typical systems included: Nav, Comm (HF and VHF), Satellite Communication, GPS,FMS, EFIS systems, Audio systems, Entertainment systems, Corporate, Utility, and SAR packages for S-76 and S-92, Tactical equipment, Engine Upgrades and FADEC systems. Involved with 70+ STCs ranging from part 23 corporate aircraft to rotorcraft.
The certification documentation included: ELA, System Safety Assessments, System Installation Evaluations, EMI/RFI test plans, Ground Test Plans, and Functional Hazard Assessments.
- Atlantic Aero, Feb 2001 – July 2003
Avionics Technician, A & P Mechanic, Systems Integrator
Interfaced with systems and structures DER engineers
Research, design, evaluation, and coordination of STC and Non-STC systems integration in:
Pre-owned aircraft
Honda’s Proof-of-Concept aircraft. (was also involve in analysis and testing of various aircraft systems)
- Avionics Technician, A & P Mechanic, Jan 1988 – July 2003
(General & Corporate Aviation)
Avionics Integration Engineer 1988 – 2001
Involved in design (CAD), integration, installation and testing of commercial avionics systems. They include but are not limited to: Nav, Comm, GPS,FMS, EGPWS, TCAS, EFIS systems, Audio systems, Entertainment systems, Autopilots, full cockpit upgrades and Tactical equipment for general aviation and corporate aircraft.
Electrical Systems Engineer 2001-2003
Involved in the design of the primary DC electrical system, electrical flaperon control and FADEC integration to the integrated display system on Honda’s proof-of-concept jet.
Registrations and Licenses
- Certifications:
- Systems and Equipment DER (Electrical – Part 23, 25, 27, 29)
- American and Australian Citizenship
- A & P Mechanic (USA)
- FCC GROL license, Elements 1,3, and 8(Radar)
- FCC GMDSS Radio Maintainer’s License DM
- CAD Experience: AutoCad, CadKey, Intellicad, VectorWorks, Solidworks, and Autodesk Fusion.