Expert Witness & Consulting Services for Commercial and General Aviation
“Providing expert analysis and testimony in airline operations, general aviation, human factors, crew performance, regulatory compliance, and aviation safety.”
More than 50 years of flight experience in general aviation and major international airline operations
Who Am I?
I am a former airline captain, former FAA air traffic controller, and former ALPA National Air Traffic Services Chairman with more than 50 years of aviation experience. I provide expert witness and litigation consulting services involving commercial airline operations, corporate aviation, business aviation, and general aviation matters.
My experience and qualifications:
My experience spans airline flight operations, air traffic control, aviation safety, rulemaking, and general aviation—providing clients with a uniquely comprehensive perspective on aviation operations. I analyze operational issues, prepare expert reports, and provide deposition and trial testimony.
I have flown more than 30,000 hours in domestic and international flight operations, 41 years as a pilot for a major airline, service as a former FAA air traffic controller, and decades of leadership in aviation safety.
I assist attorneys with:
Aviation Expert Witness and Consulting Services
Airline Operations (14 CFR Part 121 and Part 135)
General Aviation Accidents and Incidents
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Human Factors
FAA Regulations
Standard Operating Procedures
Air Traffic Control Issues
Pilot Decision Making
Flight Operations Manuals
Turbulence Injury Cases
Aviation Safety Management
Regulatory Compliance
Why attorneys choose me:
50+ years of aviation experience
30,000+ flight hours
41 years as a major airline pilot
Former FAA Air Traffic Controller
Former Chairman, ALPA National Air Traffic Services Group
Former IFALPA Regional Vice President
Extensive aviation safety leadership
Services I can provide:
Case evaluation
Expert reports
Deposition testimony
Trial testimony
Airline operations analysis
“Flight safety is not just a marketing concept and mediaspeak but rather a personal mindset and a corporate culture that requires real commitment and investment by all involved. It is not “set and forget”, but rather requires dedication and a constant conscious effort to maintain and improve. Intentional failure to do so is inexcusable.”
- Captain Ross Sagun (ret.)
Subjects within my area of expertise include:
Federal Air Regulations (FAR) Part 121 airline operational safety issues
airline and flight crew regulatory compliance
regulatory and flight operations manual compliance
Regulatory
Turbulence injury investigation and mitigation
passenger disruptions
domestic and international flight operations
flight crew operational performance
compliance with company procedures
aircraft limitations
navigation and communications procedures
Operations
Crew resource management (CRM) and coordination
cockpit-related human factors issues
standard operating procedures
best practices
Human Factors
Solutions
-
Regulatory
Did the pilots, the operator, and the governing agency follow established regulations, guidelines, and accepted best practices? Were maintenance and repair regulatory requirements overlooked? Was the deviation from requirements intentional or a case of normalization of deviance?
I was involved in the development and review of air traffic procedures, operational policies, and industry safety initiatives. I have the knowledge and experience to help you determine if regulations, guidelines, and practices were adequate and observed.
-
Operations
Was the crew provided with adequate training, equipment, and supported by a progressive safety culture in order to perform at the highest level of safety? Did the flight dispatcher give the crew an adequate weather briefing to avoid the area of forecasted severe turbulence? Did the crew or dispatcher intentionally plan the flight into hazardous conditions?
I co-chaired the Dispatch Committee and led the Turbulence Injury Mitigation Team at one of the world’s largest airlines. I can help you to determine if an accident or incident was avoidable and if the operator performed with regard to the highest level of safety.
-
Human Factors
What were the human factors considerations involved in the accident or incident? Did fatigue or pressure to complete the mission influence the crew’s decision-making process? Were there unreasonable scheduling requirements or other constraints that affected the crew’s performance?
I have over 50 years of flight experience and have spent over 30 years as an air-safety representative and advocate. I can help you assess the exigent circumstances surrounding an incident or accident.
About me:
Pilot for one of the world’s largest airlines for over 40 years.
Extensive experience in international and domestic major-airline operations, aviation safety, aviation-related technology, flight crew procedures, and in leading committees and project teams.
Piloted and instructed on numerous general aviation aircraft
FAA licensed pilot since 1972
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type ratings on several aircraft, including various
versions of the B747, B777, DC10, and B737Served as Chairman of the Air Line Pilots’ Association International (ALPA-I) National Air
Traffic Services GroupRegional Vice President for the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’
Associations (IFALPA) responsible for promoting the highest level of aviation safety
worldwide and being a global advocate of the piloting professionALPA Boeing 747 Fleet Safety Coordinator at United Airlines, responsible for
investigating accidents and incidents occurring on United Airlines’ B747 fleet worldwideMember of the Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee (ATPAC) reporting to the FAA
Administrator on new or significantly revised air traffic control (ATC) procedural concepts
charts, diagrams, and illustrations, identifying their relevance to current, revised, or proposed ATC procedures and conceptsPrior testimonial experience