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Defence Aviation Safety 2023
2 October - 3 October 2023
Defence Aviation Safety 2023

Be part of the Defence Aviation Safety conference as we enter its 4th year, proudly supported by the Royal Air Force Safety Centre and the only event specifically focused on defence safety for the military aviation community.

The Defence Aviation Safety conference truly is your best opportunity to contribute to this critical field.

Collaborate across an unmatched 2-day programme.

Join forward-thinking defence aviation experts, and you’ll leave the conference empowered with the tools and knowledge to better support your organisations strategy.

90+ Attendees | 30+ Speakers | 16+ Nations in Attendance | Top UK MoD speakers | Industry Key themes | Supported by the RAF Safety Centre

Check out the new brochure to find out more!

Here’s why you can’t afford to miss Defence Aviation Safety conference:

• An opportunity to meet and share best practices with leaders and experts.
• Gain vital insight into the growing need for more effective certification processes when onboarding new platforms into service.
• Be part of the discussion with leaders from around the world as they focus on strategies to enhance the protection of lives and capabilities for aviators and ground crew.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Air Commodore Andy Gilbert

Air Commodore Andy Gilbert

Head of DE&S Airworthiness Team, DE&S, UK MoD
Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie

Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie

Director, Military Aviation Authority (MAA), UK MoD
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin

Air Officer Commanding, Number 1 Group, Royal Air Force
Colonel Joseph Augustine

Colonel Joseph Augustine

Director of Safety, Air Combat Command, USAF
Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais

Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais

Chief of the Accident Prevention Office, Portuguese Air Force
Colonel Michael Thomas

Colonel Michael Thomas

Deputy Chief of Safety, Air Force Safety Centre, USAF
Colonel Steven Pierce

Colonel Steven Pierce

Deputy Commanding Officer, US Army Combat Readiness Center
Dr Alisdair Wood

Dr Alisdair Wood

SMS and Aviation Risk Manager, Leonardo Helicopters UK
Group Captain Mike Jordan

Group Captain Mike Jordan

Commandant Central Flying School, Number 22 Group, Royal Air Force
Mr Javier Diana Lopez

Mr Javier Diana Lopez

Technical Programme Manager, EUROCAE
Mr Stéphane Copéret

Mr Stéphane Copéret

Officer Airworthiness & Certification, NATO

Air Commodore Andy Gilbert

Head of DE&S Airworthiness Team, DE&S, UK MoD
Air Commodore Andy Gilbert

Air Commodore Andy Gilbert joined the Royal Air Force in 1997 following completion of his engineering master’s degree. As a result, he has over 25 years’ experience of high tempo operationally focused fast jet and large aircraft military platforms in operational, support to operations and acquisition roles. He is currently the Head of the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Airworthiness Team, Head of Engineering Assurance for Director General Air in DE&S and Head of the Catalyst Team, providing engineering services and innovation in the Air Environment.

Air Commodore Joseph Medved

Director General, Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), Royal Australian Air Force
Air Commodore Joseph Medved

Air Commodore Medved joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1992 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer. In his career, AIRCDRE Medved has held aviation engineering, technical and program management positions in Defence operational, sustainment, acquisition and aviation safety regulatory organisations.
He has broad technical experience spanning maintenance, design, type certification, and aviation safety regulations supporting Defence fixed and rotary wing aviation capabilities.
Air Commodore Medved is an experienced aviation safety professional and was appointed as the Director General Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA) in December 2020. The DASA is responsible for providing an independent investigatory capability and aviation safety regulatory functions for Defence. Air Commodore Medved holds an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering and post graduate degrees in Aircraft Vehicle Design, Aerospace Engineering and Business Management.
He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Fellow with Engineers Australia

Air Commodore Sam Sansome

Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force
Air Commodore Sam Sansome

Air Cdre Sam Sansome joined the RAF in 1986 as a University Cadet. After 3 years at Loughborough University studying Engineering Science and Technology he attended RAF College Cranwell for Initial Officer Training – graduating in March 1990.
Following Engineering Officer Training, his first tour was as JEngO XV Sqn on Tornado GR1 ac at RAF Laarbruch. After tours at RAF Lossiemouth (Buccaneer, Hunter and Tornado), RAF Strike Command (Tornado Role Office) and RAF Wyton (Harrier Fleet Manager) and an operational detachment to Riyadh, he was promoted to Sqn Ldr in Nov 1998 and appointed as the structural Engineering Authority for all marks of Tornado aircraft.
In 2001 he took up the post of OC Aircraft Engineering Squadron at RAF Benson, working on Puma and Merlin helicopters, where he also acted as OC Engineering and Supply Wing for a 7 month period during Op TELIC. On completion of his command tour he moved to the Personnel Management Agency where he was the Desk Officer for Squadron Leader Engineers.
In Jul 2004 he was selected for Staff College, but opted instead to attend Henley Management College graduating with an Executive Full-time MBA. He was promoted to Wing Commander during the MBA course and posted to a future capability post in Headquarters 2 Group in September 2005 where he had logistics and engineering responsibility for all 2 Group future platforms, both ISTAR and AT/AAR and including the REAPER UAV, A400M and Shadow R1.
In June 2008 he was posted to RAF Brize Norton as OC Forward Support Wing. Following his command tour he became the Command Planner at PJHQ at Northwood, managing the transition of its planning functions to Joint Forces Command. After a further spell as a Manning Desk Officer, this time for wing commander engineers and suppliers, he was promoted in 2012 and took up appointment at DE&S Abbey Wood as Team Leader of Chief of Materiel Joint Enablers’ Customer Support Team. On 27 Jun 2016 he returned to Air Command and to 2 Gp, this time as Chief Air Engineer and Gp Capt Support. On 1 March 2021 he transferred to the RAF Reserves on promotion to Air Cdre and took up post as Inspector of Safety RAF – the first non-aircrew officer to lead the RAF Safety Centre.
Air Cdre Sansome is married to Louise and has 2 children, Millie and Thomas. His family home is in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. He is a qualified swimming official and until recently was Chairman of Wycombe District Swimming Club, one of the top swimming teams in the country.

Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie

Director, Military Aviation Authority (MAA), UK MoD
Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie

AIR VICE-MARSHAL ALAN GILLESPIE CBE MA BSc RAF

DIRECTOR UK MILITARY AVIATION AUTHORITY

Air Vice-Marshal Al Gillespie joined the RAF in July 1988 as a University Cadet and completed his BSc(Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering the following year. He spent 10 years flying as a Qualified Weapons Instructor Navigator on the Tornado F3, supporting Operations DENY FLIGHT (Balkans) and RESINATE(S) (Iraq) as well as holding Quick Reaction Alert in the UK and Falkland Islands.

He completed staff tours in the Defence Intelligence Staff and MOD Directorate of Strategic Plans and a tour as the Chief of Combat Operations in the USAF Central Command Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) (Qatar) as UK forces withdrew from Basra. Gillespie took command of 23 Squadron (E-3D AWACS) in July 2008 and, on promotion to group captain in October 2009, deployed to Bastion Airfield to assume command of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing as the USMC expanded into Helmand, culminating in support to Op MOSHTARAK. After a staff appointment in HQ Air Command as Group Captain ISTAR, Gillespie assumed command of RAF Waddington, the RAF’s ISTAR hub; he oversaw the introduction of UK-based remotely-piloted air operations over Afghanistan.

On promotion to air commodore, he returned to Al Udeid, Qatar as the UK Air Component Commander and Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group, with responsibility for UK air operations across the region and the orderly withdrawal of UK Air Power from Afghanistan. In June 2015, Gillespie became the Battlespace Management Force Commander within Headquarters Number 1 Group and in June 2017 was appointed as the Head of the Air Transformation Programme.

After graduating from the Royal College of Defence Studies, Air Vice Marshal Gillespie commanded Number 2 Group from October 2019 to October 2021. He was appointed Director of the UK Military Aviation Authority in December 2021.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin

Air Officer Commanding, Number 1 Group, Royal Air Force
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1998. After pilot training, he was posted to the Jaguar and became a Qualified Weapons Instructor, completing several frontline tours including operational deployments to enforce the no-fly zone in Iraq. He joined the nascent Typhoon Force in 2005, taking on instructional and standardisation roles to support capability growth, and completed a tour as Executive Officer on XI Squadron. This was followed by operational deployments to the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre in Qatar and to command 903 Expeditionary Air Wing in support of Op SHADER.
In 2012, he took command of 1 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Leuchars, leading its formal re establishment as a frontline, combat-ready Typhoon squadron. Two joint roles followed: Chief of Staff within the Air Staff at the Ministry of Defence and Chief of Staff, Joint Effects at the UK Permanent Joint Headquarters, where he was appointed CBE in 2018.
He assumed command of RAF Coningsby in 2018, supporting a multitude of operational commitments in the UK and overseas, as well as displaying the Spitfire and Hurricane as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A tour as Typhoon Force Commander followed with oversight of RAF Leeming, the Hawk T1 fleet and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, in addition to the Typhoon Force at RAF Coningsby and Lossiemouth.
Upon completion of the Higher Command and Staff Course in 2021, Air Vice-Marshal Flewin was appointed to the newly formed UK Space Command. With responsibility for UK Space operations, planning and training, he oversaw tangible growth in space-based support to contingency planning and joint operations, including the rapid operationalisation of both sovereign and partnered capabilities. Promoted to Air Vice-Marshal in January 2023 he was appointed to be Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group.
Married to Stephanie and with two children, Jacob (15) and Clara (12), he enjoys civilian display flying, road cycling and middle-distance running, with the odd marathon thrown in.

Brigadier General Jonathan Bryom

Director of Army Safety/Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center
Brigadier General Jonathan Bryom

 Brigadier General Jonathan Byrom, a native of Galion, Ohio, received his commission as an Armor Officer following graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1995. After completing the Armor Officer Basic Course, he began his military career as a Division Cavalry Tank and Scout Platoon Leader and Cavalry Troop Executive Officer with 1-1 Cavalry in Büdingen, Germany.

Brigadier General Byrom then commanded A Troop and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop in 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, California. Following his time in command, he taught economics at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Upon completion of intermediate-level education in 2008, Brigadier General Byrom was assigned to Grafenwoehr, Germany, where he served as the Battalion S3 and Brigade Executive Officer for the 172nd Infantry Brigade until 2010. After his time in Germany, he became a Senior Instructor for the Army Joint Support Team in Las Vegas, Nevada, before being assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he assumed command of 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment in November 2011. Upon completion of Squadron Command, Brigadier General Byrom then moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky, in July 2013,where he served as the Armor Branch Chief at Human Resources Command.

In July 2015, Brigadier General Byrom arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he became the 1st Infantry Division G3 until 2017. He then returned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he commanded the 3rd Cavalry Regiment from July 2017 until June 2019. He transitioned to the First Cavalry Division Chief of Staff in June 2019 until March 2020. Brigadier General Byrom transitioned to the Pentagon, where he served as the Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Army until July 2021. He served as the Commander for the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force in Wiesbaden, Germany, before assuming command of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center in June 2023.

Jon is married to his much better half, Marsha. They have three young children who keep life very interesting.

Brigadier General Roberto Di Marco

Chief of the Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV), Italian Air Force
Brigadier General Roberto Di Marco

 Air Brigade General (OF-6) Roberto DI MARCO

Air Brig. Gen. Roberto Di Marco was born in Messina on 20 August 1965 and attended the Aeronautical Academy from 1983 to 1987.

After graduating in aeronautical science and the planned piloting courses on various aircraft, in 1989 he is assigned to the 10th Fighter Squadron that operates on aircraft F 104S at the 9th Wing at Grazzanise Air Base, where he holds various positions up to Squadron Commander and Chief of Wing Ops.

Since 2001 he has been assigned to the HQ at the 3rd Department (Aerospace Instrument Planning), with assignments related to air defense directives and tactical unit training. Following the terrorist attack on 9/11 2001, it is part of the project for the drafting of the RENEGADE Ministerial Directive, which regulates the actions of the political and military summit to combat hybrid air threats. It also deals with the installation of the first Forward Operational Base [FOB] in the theater of Iraqi and Afghan operations, and starts the process for the ItAF participation in the helicopter school of Shindand [Afghanistan], based on Russian helicopter MIL Mi-8.

In 2002, he was sent to Kosovo as Chief of Operations at Pristina International Airport and coordinator of local activities between UNMIK [UN] and the Russian contingent responsible for site security.

In 2007 he was sent to the United States for the F-16 pilot course, at the end of which he was appointed Commander of the 5th Wing at Cervia Air Base.

In 2009, at the end of the command period, he returned to the 3rd Department of the HQ with the task of Chief of the 2nd Office (Operational Capabilities). In 2011, he coordinated with the 603 AOC of USAFE, Ramstein [GER], the directives for the participation of ItAF in the Odyssey Dawn coalition operation, then renamed Unified Protector under the aegis of NATO.

In 2012 he became Chief of Operations Department A3 at the HQ of the Air Team Command and then, when promoted to Air Brigade General became Chief of Operations and Training Department, where he coordinated with the Command of the Naval Team the national joint effort operation to combat illicit trafficking called MARE NOSTRUM, which will be the basis for the subsequent operational defence contributions to Operation SOPHIA of EUNAVFOR MED, under the aegis of EU.

After attending few courses: the CFACC of Maxwell [Alabama, US] and the Senior International Defense Management at the DRMI of Monterey [California, US], in June 2015 he is assigned to the D.A.C.C.C (NATO Center of Risk Air Command and Control) at the Air Base of Poggio Renatico (FE) with the assignment of Deputy Commander.

In February 2019 he became Commander of the Experimental Flight Center at the Air Base of Pratica di Mare (ROME).

Since September 2020 he has been Flight Safety Inspector and President of the Higher Flight Safety Institute.

He has collected about 2700 flight hours, mainly on Fighters (MB.339A and CD version, G.91/T, F.104, F.16 Block 20 and 40).
He is a qualified flight safety officer and instructor, and has collected several collaborations with the Institute of Aeronautical Military Sciences in Florence for the treatment of CRM courses (Crew Resource Management and optimisation of flight crew management in the cockpit) and courses within flight security programs. Always in support of the Italian Air Force Schools Command, he was a member of the college and co-supervisor of some dissertations related to the topic of Flight Safety.

Brigadier General Tommy Petersson

Deputy Commander, Swedish Air Force
Brigadier General Tommy Petersson

Born 26th of March, 1970, Sweden
Family Married to Malin, two daughters

Previous Assignments
2019 - 2022 - Commander of F 17, Blekinge Wing and Ronneby Garrison
2019 - 2019 - Head of Plans & Development, Swedish Air Staff, Uppsala
2017 - 2018 - Chief of Staff, Air Component Command, Stockholm
2014 - 2016 - Wing Commander Flying, F 17 Blekinge Wing, Ronneby
2013 - 2014 - CO ACC A5, SWAF HQ, Stockholm
2012 - 2013 - SWAF HQ ACC Planning & Requirements, Stockholm
2011 - CO Operations, SWAF Detachment OUP (FL 02), Sicily
2008 - 2011 - Squadron Commander, F 17 Blekinge Wing, Ronneby
2003 - 2006 - Deputy SQN Commander, F 17 Blekinge Wing, Ronneby
1993 - 2001 - Fighter Pilot, F 10 Skåne Wing, Ängelholm
1992 - 1993 - Fighter Pilot, F 6 Västgöta Wing, Karlsborg

Promotions
2022 - Brigadier General
2017 - Colonel
2009 - Lieutenant Colonel
2001 - Major
1998 - Captain
1996 - First Lieutenant
1992 Second Lieutenant

Military Education (selected)
2016 - 2017 Master in Strategic Studies, USAF Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL, USA
2006 - 2008 National Defence College, Senior Staff Course, Stockholm
2000 - 2001 National Defence College, Junior Staff Course, Stockholm
1995 / 1998 Air Force War College, Junior & Senior Course, Uppsala
1989 - 1992 Air Force Officers Academy & Flying Training School, Ljungbyhed

Decorations (selected)
Swedish Medal for Zealous and Devoted Service of the Realm
Swedish Armed Forces Conscript Service Medal
Swedish Armed Forces International Service Medal
NATO Medal, OUP

Other information
Total experience of 2600 military flying hours, primarily on SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, AJS 37 Viggen and SAAB 105. Currently Command Pilot on SAAB JAS 39C/D Gripen. Callsign TIMBER.
Master of Arts in History from Stockholm´s University.
Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences.

Hobbies
All kinds of outdoor activities, horses, dogs, literature, cooking, and motorcycles.

Captain (N) Rich Harrison

Assistant Head Safety & Assurance, Joint Helicopter Command
Captain (N) Rich Harrison

Captain Rich Harrison MBE joined Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1994 and spent three years undertaking officer and flying training (Grob, Firefly, Gazelle, Sea King HC Mk4), arriving at the Commando Helicopter Force in 1997.

Between 1997-2013 he undertook six front-line tours in both 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons, interspersed with attendance at Intermediate Staff Course (Maritime) and the Helicopter Warfare Instructor Course, and two staff appointments.

Highlights of his front-line time include tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq (including the 2003 Al Faw assault) and Afghanistan, and numerous amphibious exercises in the Mediterranean and Norway. His final front-line tour was as Commanding Officer 846 NAS, disbanding the Squadron in 2013 as part of the transition from Sea King Mk4 to Merlin. His staff appointments in the period were as the Commando Aviation Tactical Development Officer at the Maritime Warfare Centre (2004-06) and at MOD as a Helicopter Capability (Sea King & Merlin) Sponsor during the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

After the completion of his flying time in 2013, Harrison undertook staff roles at Commander rank in Navy Command (Littoral Air Manoeuvre), MoD Operations Directorate (Afghanistan & Pakistan) and Navy Command Resources and Plans (Aviation Finance). He was selected for promotion to Captain in 2018 and assigned as the Navy’s Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Land & Littoral Manoeuvre.
A subsequent appointment as Head of Naval Aviation Operational Warfare in Oct 20 saw him responsible for Fleet Air Arm Air Safety as the Senior Operator advisor to the 2* Director of Force Generation. Most recently he has become the Assistant Head of Safety and Assurance at Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) HQ, again working as the Senior Operator advisor to the 2* Operating Duty Holder, Commander JHC.

Colonel Gianluigi Colucci

Chief of Investigation Office, Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV), Italian Air Force
Colonel Gianluigi Colucci

 Col. (OF-5) Gianluigi COLUCCI

Col. Gianluigi COLUCCI was born in Rome on 27 October 1978, he joined the Italian Air Force Academy in 1998.

He graduated military pilot at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training School (ENJJPT) of SHEPPARD AFB in July 2004, then he was assigned to the 51st Wing of Istrana Air Base in the 132nd Fighter Bomber Squadron on AMX aircraft.

In July 2012, he was assigned to the 32nd Wing of Amendola Air Base in the 101st Squadron (the Italian Operational Conversion Unit for the AMX fighter) as an instructor.

In April 2014 he was sent to Grosseto to attend the operational conversion course on the Eurofighter aircraft (F-2000) and in December 2014 he was moved to the 37th Wing of Trapani Air Base, and assigned to the 18th Fighter Squadron.
From 2015 to 2017 in the Eurofighter community he was in charge for the conversion of pilots into the multi-role capability.
From January 2018 to September 2020, he became the Commander of the 18th Squadron.

In his operational life, between 2010 and 2013 he participated several times in the ISAF operation (Afghanistan) and in the Unified Protector operation (Libya), carrying out more than 100 Operational missions with the AMX (Close Air support, Recce, Air Interdiction and Time Sensitive Target missions).
In 2018 he was Commander of the Task Group TYPHOON in Iceland during the NATO Air Policing operation "Northern Stork".
In 2019 he was the commander of the same Task Group, at the Al-Jaber base (Kuwait), for the operation "Inherent resolve/Prima Parthica", while flying recce missions over the skies of Iraq.

After attending the advanced course of Joint Forces Staff College in Rome, in 2022 he was assigned to the Flight Safety Inspectorate. From January 2023 he became Chief of investigation office.

He flew more than 3000 flight hours, of which 1100 on Eurofighter and 1400 on AMX. Of these flight hours, more than 300 were carried out in operational theatres in crisis areas.

Colonel Jorge Inácio

Commander, Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC)
Colonel Jorge Inácio

Colonel Jorge Inacio joined Portuguese Air Force Academy in 1992 and, after finishing the course, served in the Tactical Air Transport and Search and Rescue Squadrons, flying around 3000 flight hours in the SA-316B Alouette III, SA-330 Puma and EH-101 Merlin.
Served in the Air Command/Plans Branch, Portuguese Military University Institute as Joint Operations Planning teacher and, in the EUMS/Concepts and Capabilities Directorate (CONCAP)/Force and Capability Branch (FORCAP) as action officer and deputy Branch Chief.
Has the Degree (Pre Bologna) in Military Aeronautical Sciences, specialty of Pilot, Course for Promotion to Senior Officer, Joint Staff Course and Postgraduate in Military Sciences, Security and Defence.

Colonel Joseph Augustine

Director of Safety, Air Combat Command, USAF
Colonel Joseph Augustine

Colonel Joseph R. Augustine is the Director of Safety for Air Combat Command, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA. He is responsible for implementing the Command’s Flight, Occupational, and Weapons Safety Mishap Prevention programs designed to preserve combat capability by advising the COMACC and providing guidance and directives to all ACC subordinate units including NAFs, Centers, Wings, and Squadrons). He and his staff oversee safety guidance for 35 Wings, 26 weapon systems, over 1,000 aircraft, and 156,000 personnel. Previously, Col Augustine was Vice Commander and UH-1N “Huey” Test Pilot, for the 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Prior to that, he was the Flight Test Division Chief at Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, and was Chief of Foreign Military Sales at the US Embassy, Amman, Jordan. In this capacity, he managed a $350M Foreign Military Finance Portfolio and over $4B in active partner acquisition programs.
Col Augustine graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Mathematics. He earned his Master’s degree in Engineering from Colorado State University. Following his graduation from the Undergraduate Pilot Training program at Fort Rucker, AL, he completed a tour as a UH-1N Evaluator Pilot at the 76th Helicopter Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA. Col Augustine then graduated Test Pilot School as an Exchange Officer at the United Kingdom’s Empire Test Pilot School at RAF Boscombe Down, UK. Following Test Pilot School, Col Augustine conducted flight-test programs on the CV-22 and UH-1 variants and was the 46th Operations Group Chief of Training at Eglin AFB, FL, and thereafter, Chief of the Commander’s Action Group at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Over the course of his career, he was a Distinguished Graduate of Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL, and a Superior Graduate of the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA.

Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais

Chief of the Accident Prevention Office, Portuguese Air Force
Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais

 

Colonel Luís “Blade” Morais is a Portuguese Air Force Pilot born in 1972, in Lisbon. He entered the Air Force Academy in 1990 where he completed his Aeronautical Military Sciences degree in June 1995, after one year Pilot Training in Air Base N.º 11.
In 1996 concluded the Combat Aircrafts Advanced Pilot Training on Alpha-Jet, and in April the same year he was assigned to the 301 Squadron “Jaguares”, at Air Base N.º 11, Beja.
In September 2000 he was transferred to Air Base 5, Monte Real, where he was assigned to 201 Squadron “Falcons”, flying the F-16A.
From April 2004 to June 2006, he participated in the Exchange Pilot Program, in Belgium, were he made the conversion to F-16MLU at the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) and in July the same year he was assigned to the 349 Squadron “Maces”.

 

In June 2006 he returned to Portugal and was assigned again to 301 Squadron “Jaguares”, flying at that time the F-16MLU.
From 2006 until 2012 he was the Chief StanEval Section, Operations Chief and Commanding Officer (from 2010 until 2012). During his assignment in 301 Fighter Squadron, he obtained all qualifications up to the level of Force Lead and Instructor Pilot on the F-16MLU.
During his flying career he totalised more than 3.000 flight hours, from which almost 2.000 on the F-16.

Follow on assignments:
2012 to 2016 - Resources Division, at the Portuguese Air Force Staff.
2016 to 2017 - 51st Wing Commander and Permanent Liaison Officer for the Romanian F-16 programme.
2017 to 2021 - Air Force Counsellor at the Portuguese Delegation to NATO, and National Representative at the Aviation Committee, Air and Missile Defence Committee, amongst other committees.
2021 to 2022 – Deputy Director for Personnel at the Portuguese Air Force;
From 2022 to present – Chief of the Portuguese Air Force Flight Safety Office.

Colonel Morais has concluded several courses, some of which, the Basic Command Course, the Air Warfare Staff Course, the Proficiency Electronic Warfare Officers Course, Tactical Leadership - Air Defense Course, Flight Safety Course, Audit Course, and attended the National Defence Course, amongst others.
From 1996 to 2012 he participated in several joint and combined exercises and military operations, both in and outside Portugal, in which one can point out the
the KFOR - Kosovo, has a Forward Air controller (FAC), NATO Baltic Air Policing in 2007 has a Pilot and Baltic Air Policing (BAP) Block 36 and 41 has a Detachment Commander.
Colonel Morais has participated in tactical evaluations conducted by NATO to the 201 and 301 Fighter Squadrons in 2003 and 2011.

He was also responsible for the operational acceptance and implementation of several F-16 updates and participated in multiple Working Groups for the upgrade of the F-16MLU.

During his military career, Colonel Morais was distinguished with multiple commendations and medals.

Colonel Morais is a father of two - a daughter, Alice, age 9, and a son, Afonso, age 11.

 

Colonel Michael Thomas

Deputy Chief of Safety, Air Force Safety Centre, USAF
Colonel Michael Thomas

Col Mike Thomas is the Deputy Chief of Safety for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Col Thomas graduated from the University of Michigan in 1997 and was a commissioned a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He is a master navigator with more than 2,800 flying hours and 260 deployed combat and combat support hours. Col Thomas has deployed in support of Operations Joint Guardian, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. He commanded at the squadron, group, and Joint Task Force levels, and he served in staff assignments at Air Force Special Operations Command and Headquarters Air Force. Prior to his current position, he served as the Director of Safety for Air Force Special Operations Command.

Colonel Nicholas Moore

Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority, DE&S, UK MoD
Colonel Nicholas Moore

Nick is a serving British Army Officer. He has been employed principally in Aircraft Engineering roles for much of his 30 years of service.

His current post is in the UK Defence Equipment & Support Organisation as Chief Engineer and Type Airworthiness Authority for Tactical RPAS employed in UK Defence, which includes Watchkeeper.

He has extensive experience in Piloted Army Rotary and Fixed Wing aircraft as well as operational experience from Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali.

Colonel Steven Pierce

Deputy Commanding Officer, US Army Combat Readiness Center
Colonel Steven Pierce

 Colonel Pierce was commissioned in 1992 at Valley Forge Military College and assessed into Army Aviation in 1994. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.
Colonel Pierce is a graduate of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course, Aviation Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Aircraft Qualification Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Cavalry Leader’s Course, Basic Airborne Course, Jumpmaster Course, Joint Firepower Course, Joint Air Operations Command and Control Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He is a Senior Army Aviator qualified in the UH-1, OH-58A/C, and OH-58D.
Colonel Pierce’s assignment history includes: Platoon Leader, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment and Regimental Aviation Officer, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Division G3 Air, 1st Armored Division, Bad Kreuznach, Germany; Commander, E Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Buedingen, Germany and Baghdad, Iraq; Cavalry Troop Observer Controller-Trainer, Combat Maneuver Training Center, Hohenfels, Germany; Brigade Aviation Officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Baghdad, Iraq; Squadron Operations Officer later Executive Officer, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; CJ3 Aviation Operations Officer, Combined Joint Task Force-82, Bagram, Afghanistan; Instructor, Army Joint Support Team, Hurlburt Field, Florida; Commander, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, Fort Rucker, Alabama; Lift/Utility Action Officer, Aviation Directorate (DAMO-AV), Headquarters, Department of the Army G3/5/7, Washington, D.C.; Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Liaison Officer to U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany; Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany; and Deputy Director, Installation Management Command-Europe, Wiesbaden, Germany. He has deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2006-07, and once in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009-2010.
Colonel Pierce’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC)), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (4 OLC), Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Kosovo Campaign Medal (1 Service Star), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 5), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and German Parachutist Badge.
Colonel Pierce is from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and is married to the former Ingrid Nixon of Edenton, North Carolina. They have three daughters.

CW5 Shawn Johnston

Directorate Analysis and Preventions - Aviation Expert, US Army Combat Readiness Center
CW5 Shawn Johnston

CW5 Shawn Johnston


From North Vernon, Indiana. He graduated from Jennings Co High school where he was
President of the FFA and Captain of the Varsity Wrestling team. He joined the Army in 1993
serving in the 501st MP Co. at Bad Kreutznach, GE as a light wheel vehicle and a power
generation mechanic. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University
(APSU).
Johnston qualified in the CH-47D/F and graduated from the Aviation Safety Officer
course/Maintenance Officer courses. He is a Capability and Training Developer, completing the
Army Basic and Small group instructor courses.
After serving in Operation Joint Endeavour in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johnston transitioned to
the Indiana National Guard serving in the 681st MEDEVAC as a UH-1 maintainer. In 2002,
Johnston was selected for IERW and upon completion was assigned 7-101st where he served as a
pilot in command, flight lead and the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, Aviation Life Support
Equipment Officer (ALSE), deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2010, he was assigned to 110th
Aviation Brigade serving as the CH-47 D/F academics chief and the brigade academics
standardization instructor. In 2013 Johnston was reassigned to 3-2 General Support Aviation
Battalion (GSAB) as a mission pilot, unit trainer and aviation safety officer. In 2014, he was
reassigned to 6-101st GSAB as the Battalion Aviation Safety Officer (BNASO) transitioning to
the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade Aviation Safety Officer (CAB ASO) in 2015 deploying to
Afghanistan. In 2017, he was reassigned to Capability Development Integration Directorate
(CDID) and Aviation Enablers-Requirements Determination Directorate serving as the Air Crew
Integrated Systems (ACIS) Division Chief. In 2021, Johnston was reassigned to the United
States Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) where he serves as a flight safety technician
and the Senior Warrant Officer for the Safety Center. Shawn is also a sitting member of the
Aviation System Readiness Division, Cueing and Symbology Endorsement board and consults
numerous other aviation human systems integration boards/studies and research.
Johnston’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint
Service Commendation medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal,
Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Medal, Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War
of Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces
Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, and Army Master Aviator Badge

Dr Alisdair Wood

SMS and Aviation Risk Manager, Leonardo Helicopters UK
Dr Alisdair Wood

Alisdair Wood joined Leonardo Helicopters in 1989 and currently is the SMS and Aviation Safety Risk Manager, responsible for the company’s Safety Management System and aviation risk, covering both military and civil operations at Yeovil.

After graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from Bristol University, Alisdair joined British Aerospace on the detail design team for the Airbus A330/A340 wings before joining the Flight Test Department at Westland Helicopters, focusing on testing the prototype EH101 aircraft. Flight Test was followed by roles in Project Engineering (RTM322 engine development and integration), Merlin Post Design Services and Technical Lead / Bid Manager for the Integrated Merlin Operational Support (IMOS) contract bid. In 2006 Alisdair became the IMOS Technical Support Services Manager, followed by an appointment as the Material Planning Manager in 2012. In 2014 he become the Chief Service Engineer, responsible for the technical support of all UK supported helicopters, all types across the international community. He was appointed to his current role in summer 2022.

Alisdair graduated with an Engineering Doctorate in 2011 from Bristol University in Health and Usage Monitoring. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow, elected member of Council and Trustee of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is married to Bridget, a higher education linguist, and they have two graduate daughters.

Group Captain Andrew Keith

Deputy Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force
Group Captain Andrew Keith

 

Andrew ‘Boomer’ Keith was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1994. Graduating as a Fast Jet (FJ) pilot he was posted to the fighter lead-in squadron and flew the Aermacchi MB339 and then on to the A4K Skyhawk conversion unit based in Nowra, Australia. During his time with the Air Combat Force he participated in a bilateral training programme providing maritime strike assets for the Australian Navy and annual exercises in SE Asia participating in FPDA exercises and bi-lateral training with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Following the demise of the RNZAF air combat force, Keith transferred to the RAF in Dec 01 and posted to the Harrier OCU at RAF Wittering. During his front-line tour with IV(AC) Sqn at RAF Cottesmore, he was involved with a variety of UK, Europe and US based exercises and completed two embarked detachments aboard HMS Invincible. He has also completed 3 flying tours on Op HERRICK, Afghanistan.

In Sep 06 Keith was selected to join the RAF Aerobatic Team and flew for RAFAT for the 07-09 display seasons. In 2010 Keith was posted to the JFACHQ in High Wycombe and during this time he was posted to Al Udeid to take up the position of SO2 Forward Staff Officer for the ACC at 83 EAG. Keith was then posted to the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning staff at Northwood HQ to take up the position of SO2 Fast Jet. During this tour he was involved in coordination and execution of large joint multinational tier 2+ exercises. From 2013-2016 Keith worked at RAF Waddington, involved with ISTAR and RPAS operations and as the SO2 Training and Standards in the ISTAR Force HQ.

Keith was promoted to Wg Cdr in 2016 and selected to attend Advanced Command and Staff College (ACSC) at the JSCSC Shrivenham. On completion of ACSC he took up command of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT). During this posting the Team conducted a Middle Eastern Defence Engagement tour, was involved in the RAF100 celebrations in 2018 and toured North America in 2019 supporting British trade and investment with North America worth over £100Bn.

In Mid 2020 Keith was posted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), London and served in Finance Military Capability (FMC) to manage the F-35 elements of the Carrier Enabled Power Projection (CEPP) programme and as the Future Commitments CEPP desk officer within the Defence Commitments team in Security Policy and Operations. Keith was selected for promotion to Group Captain in Dec 21 and has been assigned to the Battle Director role in the CAOC, Al Udeid in Jul 2022. He took up his current position as the Inspector of Flight Safety within the RAF Safety Centre in Jan 23.

Group Captain Mike Jordan

Commandant Central Flying School, Number 22 Group, Royal Air Force
Group Captain Mike Jordan

Mike is a flying instructor and test pilot, who joined the Royal Air Force in 1998, after being an RAF Air Cadet and Combined Cadet Force (RAF) cadet and gaining an Undergraduate degree. After flying training, his first tour saw him operate in the Search and Rescue role on the Sea King Mk3 before posting to the Support Helicopter force, in the formative days of the Merlin Mk3 at RAF Benson. He deployed on operations a number of times before training with the Central Flying School and becoming a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) in 2007. After teaching ab-initio pilots for a short time, he became responsible for the training and standardisation of all front-line RAF Merlin aircrew and deployed on more operational deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Promoted Squadron Leader in 2010 and as a Central Flying School (CFS) A2 categorised QHI, he assumed the appointment of Officer Commanding CFS (Helicopter) Squadron, with responsibility for training UK tri-Service and foreign military helicopter instructors.

In 2013, Mike completed the Empire Test Pilot School course and worked as an experimental test pilot, with primary responsibility for introduction to service and operations of the new Puma 2 helicopter. On promotion to Wing Commander he worked in the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) responsible for assurance and regulation of civilian flying organisations working with, or for, UK Defence. He returned to RAF Shawbury in June 2018 as Officer Commanding Operations Wing, working with the new Military Flying Training System and No. 1 Flying Training School as Senior Operator (DDH), with responsibilities for Juno and Jupiter helicopters, and as Aerodrome Operator. Mike attended Advanced Command and Staff Course 24 at the UK Defence Academy, before deployment on Op SHADER as an operational commander of a specialist Unit, providing aviation support to ground operations.

As (the extremely proud) Commandant of the CFS, he is responsible for the delivery of flying instruction to all new UK tri-Service military flying instructors, the standardisation of flying instructors operating within the CFS categorisation scheme (both in the UK and abroad) and for the development of flying instruction both in contemporary and future environments. Additionally, as the Senior Operator(ODH) for 22 Gp, Mike is responsible for advising the Air Officer Commanding on aviation safety risk to life within the flying training environment.

Lieutenant Colonel Jan-Olof Lindström

Head of Flight Safety, Swedish Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Jan-Olof Lindström

Born - 3rd of March, 1968, Sweden
Family - Married to Eva, two sons

Previous Assignments
2018 - 2020 - Head of Special Mission Flight Unit, F 7, Skaraborgs Wing, Såtenäs
2017 - 2018 - Head of A3 Current Section, Air Component Command, Stockholm
2015 - 2017 - Head of A3 Planning Section, Air Component Command, Stockholm
2010 - 2015 - Wing Commander Flying, Chief Test Pilot, and Head of T&E Flight Test Operations, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Linköping

2008 - 2008 - Deputy Wing Commander Flying, Chief Test Pilot, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Linköping

2003 - 2008 - Test Pilot, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Linköping
1999 - 2001 - Fighter Pilot, F 16, Upplands Wing, Uppsala
1999 - 1999 - Deputy SQN Commander, F 16, Upplands Wing, Uppsala
1996 - 1999 - Instructor Pilot, F 16, Upplands Wing, Uppsala
1992 - 1996 - Fighter Pilot, F 21, Norrbottens Wing, Luleå

Promotions
2010 - Lieutenant Colonel
2001 - Major
1998 - Captain
1995 - First Lieutenant
1992 - Second Lieutenant

Military Education
2008 - 2010 - National Defence College, Senior Staff Course, Stockholm
2000 - 2001 -  National Defence College, Junior Staff Course, Stockholm
1995 / 1998 - Air Force War College, Junior & Senior Course, Uppsala
1989 - 1992 - Air Force Officers Academy & Flying Training School, Ljungbyhed

Decorations
Swedish Medal for Zealous and Devoted Service of the Realm

Other information
Total experience of 2700 flying hours on over 60+ aircraft types.
Graduate Empire Test Pilots’ School FW Course
Bachelor’s degree in War Studies, Leadership and Strategy, Swedish National Defence College
Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics, Stockholm University
Bachelor’s degree in Flight Dynamics and Evaluation, Portsmouth University

Hobbies
Family activities, children’s football, skiing, sail- and motorboats, motorcycle.

Mr Javier Diana Lopez

Technical Programme Manager, EUROCAE
Mr Javier Diana Lopez

Javier Diana Lopez joined the EUROCAE Secretariat in June 2023. Before joining EUROCAE, working in the Drones Business Development Department from ENAIRE with the U-space quality and certification framework. Javier holds a Master’s of Science in Air Traffic Systems (MUSTA) from Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from Technical University in Madrid.

Mr Roberts Andrejevs

Air Inspector, Military Aviation Administration, Latvian National Armed Forces
Mr Roberts Andrejevs

Graduated US Air Force Academy with Aeronautical Systems Engineering degree and was commissioned as a as Second Lieutenant in Latvian Air Force. Following Joint Undergraduate Pilot Training in Columbus, Mississippi, he was assigned to fighter controller training missions with L-39C jet in Amari Air Force Base, Estonia.
For several years, Mr Andrejevs has been display pilot in aerobatic display team Baltic Bees Jet Team performing air shows with six L-39C jets.
After retirement from military, Mr Andrejevs worked as Safety Manager and chief safety occurrence investigator for Latvian Air Navigation Service provider Latvijas Gaisa Satiksme.
Mr Andrejevs continued his pilot career in the Latvian national airline airBaltic on Airbus A220. During Covid-19 Mr Andrejevs assisted the development of Latvian Military Aviation Authority Airworthiness division and supported the UH-60M implementation project.
Mr Andrejevs is married to Daina Andrejeva, and they have two sons Edvards and Valters.

Mr Siete Hamminga

CEO, Robin Radar Systems BV
Mr Siete Hamminga

Mr Stéphane Copéret

Officer Airworthiness & Certification, NATO
Mr Stéphane Copéret

Born in June 27th 1969 in Trier (Germany)
Father of two children

Education
1989 Air Force Academy, Salon de Provence.
1992 Engineering degree: French Air Force Academy, Salon de Provence.
1999 Engineering degree: Higher Institute of Aeronautics and Space, SUPAERO, Toulouse.
2007 Joint Defence College, Paris
2007 Master’s degree in political sciences, Panthéon Assas Paris.
2010 NATO Defence College, Rome.
2012 Master’s degree in Nuclear Defence, Atomic Energy Commission.
2022 NATO Senior Officer Course, Oberammergau.
2022 German Federal Academy for Security Policy seminar 2022, Berlin.

Career
1992 Aircraft squadron’s chief maintenance officer, C160 squadron, Air Force Mobility Command.
1999 RAFALE Program project manager, Air Force Test & Evaluation Centre.
2005 RAFALE Training centre director, Air Force Education Command.
2008 Maintenance, repair and oversight director, Air Force Material Command.
2009 Technical director deputy, French Strategic Air Command.
2015 Head of airworthiness regulation, French State Aviation Authority.
2015 Continuing airworthiness task force chair, European Defence Agency.
2017 Head of airworthiness certification & oversight, French State Aviation Authority.
2020 Head of performance steering, French Aeronautical Maintenance Direction.
2022 Airworthiness director deputy, French State Aviation Authority.
2023 Officer certification & airworthiness, NATO

sponsors

Conference agenda

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8:00

Registration & Coffee

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8:50

Chair's Opening Remarks

Air Commodore Sam Sansome, Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force

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9:00

Enabling Future Capability

Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie, Director, Military Aviation Authority (MAA), UK MoD

  • Enabling non-certifiable or high risk Air Systems
  • Specific Operations Risk Assessment
  • RPAS regain
  • MAA Examples of Success
  • Future regulatory considerations
  •  

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    9:30

    Embracing Transformation for Italian Military Flight and Engineering Safety

  • Flight safety initiatives being promoted by the ItAF ISV
  • Developing a flight safety culture within the Italian Air Force (Flight safety and CRM within our flying squadrons, logistics and flight training school + flight safety program with NCOs)
  • The evolution to 5th Generation fighter jets and safety considerations for future development
  • Brigadier General Roberto Di Marco, Chief of the Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV), Italian Air Force

    Colonel Gianluigi Colucci, Chief of Investigation Office, Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV), Italian Air Force

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    10:00

    Safety Protects and Enhanced Safety Culture at LH UK

    Dr Alisdair Wood, SMS and Aviation Risk Manager, Leonardo Helicopters UK

  •  The complex environment in which we operate
  • The LH UK Safety Protects journey
  • Engaging the workforce in an enhanced safety culture
  • Future activities
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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Optimising Aviation Standards for Future Swedish Air Operations

  • An overview of Sweden’s military aviation certification and regulation strategy
  • Developing Swedish safety leadership and culture
  • Safety considerations for integrating new platforms into the Swedish Air Force
  • Enhancing safety assurance for aircrew and pilot training
  • Future safety priorities for the Swedish Air Force
  • Brigadier General Tommy Petersson, Deputy Commander, Swedish Air Force

    Lieutenant Colonel Jan-Olof Lindström, Head of Flight Safety, Swedish Air Force

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    11:30

    Advancing Military Aerospace Safety in Portugal and in Europe

    Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais, Chief of the Accident Prevention Office, Portuguese Air Force

  • The mission of the Flight Safety Office in safeguarding Portuguese pilots and aircrew
  • Aviation safety successes and challenges for the Portuguese Air Force
  • Challenges of small UAV integration and operation
  • Developing a safety culture within Portuguese Air Force training and operations
  • Future safety requirements – Working with industry and international military allies
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    12:00

    Panel Discussion: The Advancement of European Military Aviation Safety - Best Practices & Lessons Learned

  • Technological Advancements and Safety – What are your opinions on the role of cutting-edge technology in improving aviation safety for European Air Forces?
  • Interoperability and Cross-Border Collaboration – How have you been utilising joint training exercises and information sharing among European nations to enhance aviation safety?
  • Human Factors and Training – What methods can we use to reduce human error in aviation safety?
  • Air Commodore Sam Sansome, Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force

    Colonel Luís Miguel Pinto Morais, Chief of the Accident Prevention Office, Portuguese Air Force

    Colonel Gianluigi Colucci, Chief of Investigation Office, Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV), Italian Air Force

    Lieutenant Colonel Jan-Olof Lindström, Head of Flight Safety, Swedish Air Force

    Mr Roberts Andrejevs, Air Inspector, Military Aviation Administration, Latvian National Armed Forces

    Mr Javier Diana Lopez, Technical Programme Manager, EUROCAE

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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Robin Radar Systems

    Mr Siete Hamminga

    Mr Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems BV

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    14:00

    Capability First, Safety Always – Contemporary Safety Priorities for the DASA

    Air Commodore Joseph Medved, Director General, Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA), Royal Australian Air Force

  • Enabling effective aviation-safety risk management in the Defence Aviation Safety Program (DASP)
  • Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulatory updates and challenges
  • Aircraft certification and production priorities and challenges
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    14:30

    The Latvian Experience to Military Air Safety and Regulation

    Mr Roberts Andrejevs, Air Inspector, Military Aviation Administration, Latvian National Armed Forces

  •  UH-60M implementation, type acceptance, US Army Airworthiness Authority recognition
  • Implementation of EMARs
  • Challenges with national UAS manufacturer, safety occurrences
  • Latvian UAS interoperability with other NATO partners
  • Challenges with airspace design, safety occurrences and Civil-Military cooperation
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    15:00

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:30

    Optimising Rotary-Wing Development Through Safety Leadership, Culture and Training

    Captain (N) Rich Harrison, Assistant Head Safety & Assurance, Joint Helicopter Command

  • Priorities for Joint Helicopter Command to reduce risk and enhance safety assurance
  • Balancing operational capability and risk for helicopter assets
  • Enhancing safety culture at the JHC
  • Developing new capabilities for the JHC with safety in mind
  • clock

    16:00

    Advancing the Mission of the MHTC and Safely Training Future European Helicopter Teams

    Colonel Jorge Inácio, Commander, Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC)

  • An overview of the helicopter interoperability training program of the MHTC
  • Increasing the safe practices and standards of multinational rotary wing training
  • Harmonising common training TTPs and doctrine to develop aviation safety
  • Safety leadership and culture at the MHTC
  • Future priorities to enhance safety standardisation at the MHTC
  • clock

    16:30

    Readiness Through Safety – Developing Aviation Safety Standards for the US Army’s Air Assets

  • Managing the safety standards and practices for the large variety of US Army’s air platforms
  • Optimising safety through risk mitigation and preventing accidental loss of life and resources
  • Operationalising risk management for the US Army
  • Safety leadership and culture at the USACRC
  • Managing the safety standards and practices for the large variety of US Army’s air platforms
  • Optimising safety through risk mitigation and preventing accidental loss of life and resources
  • Operationalising risk management for the US Army
  • Safety leadership and culture at the USACRC
  • Brigadier General Jonathan Bryom, Director of Army Safety/Commanding General, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center

    CW5 Shawn Johnston, Directorate Analysis and Preventions - Aviation Expert, US Army Combat Readiness Center

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    17:00

    Chair's Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Air Commodore Sam Sansome, Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force

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    8:15

    Registration & Coffee

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    8:50

    Chair's Opening Remarks

    Air Commodore Sam Sansome, Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force

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    9:00

    Swift to Attack Safely – Coordinating the RAF’s No.1 Group Operations

    Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, Air Officer Commanding, Number 1 Group, Royal Air Force

  • Measuring safety across the RAF’s fast-jet and ISR assets
  • Evolving the RAF’s fast-jet training and safety standards
  • Managing near air collisions for future operations
  • Challenges and opportunities for developing safety within the No.1 Group
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    9:30

    Moving the Boundary: Future or Folly?

    Air Commodore Andy Gilbert, Head of DE&S Airworthiness Team, DE&S, UK MoD

  • Why am I here?
  • Government owned airworthiness organisations: Value Added
  • What impacts ability to maintain such organisations?
  • What can we do to protect the critical outputs?
  • Challenges with moving the boundary
  • Discussion: I want to stimulate debate and hear your experiences
  •  

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    10:00

    Always Rising Again – Enhancing the Safe Training and Development of the RAF’s Future Aircrew

    Group Captain Mike Jordan, Commandant Central Flying School, Number 22 Group, Royal Air Force

  • Safety at the heart of RAF training
  • Risk management and safety enhancement for the No.22 Group
  • Key priorities for developing new training strategies with safety in mind
  • Integration of new fixed wing assets and simulation training systems for air and ground teams
  • clock

    10:45

    Morning Coffee

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    11:15

    Safety, Innovation and Integration Within the US Air Force

    Colonel Michael Thomas, Deputy Chief of Safety, Air Force Safety Centre, USAF

  • Proactive safety across the USAF’s air assets
  • Enhancing USAF leadership and safety culture
  • Operationalizing Risk Management
  • Safety considerations for future combat aircraft
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    11:45

    The Evolution of Safety Management – a Changing Landscape

    Group Captain Andrew Keith, Deputy Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force

  • Environmental Challenges
  • Drones
  • Synthetics
  • Data Analytics and AI
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    12:15

    Networking Lunch

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    13:15

    Delivering Safe Air Superiority for USAF Combat Operations

    Colonel Joseph Augustine, Director of Safety, Air Combat Command, USAF

  • Command Overview
  • Mishap prevention (Occupational, Weapons, Flight)
  • Inspections
  • Hazard identification
  • Risk assessment
  • Ensuring safety in high ops tempo
  • Safety as a culture
  • clock

    13:45

    Watchkeeper Case Study – UAS Risk Management and Mid-Life Extension (MLE) Provisions

    Colonel Nicholas Moore, Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority, DE&S, UK MoD

  • Priorities for Watchkeeper MLE upgrades
  • Tactical UAS incident reporting and risk management
  • Developing Watchkeeper safety standards with industry partners
  • Safety and airworthiness reviews for other Tactical UAS systems in the British Armed Forces
  • clock

    14:15

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:00

    Developing the Airworthiness Policy for Aircraft Operating in Support of NATO Missions

  • Updates on the NATO airworthiness policy and its implementation across the Alliance
  • Working with international airworthiness authorities to optimise the NATO recognition process
  • Success stories from NATO airworthiness certification
  • On-going and future challenges
  • Mr Stéphane Copéret, Officer Airworthiness & Certification, NATO

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    15:30

    EUROCAE – Safeguarding European Military Aviation Standardisation

    Mr Javier Diana Lopez, Technical Programme Manager, EUROCAE

  • An overview of EUROCAE’s Working Groups dedicated to enhancing European military and civilian aviation standards
  • Fostering cooperation between EUROCAE and its partners to develop aviation standards
  • The EASCG, EUSCG and ECSCG – optimising standardisation activity for European ATM, UAS and aviation cyber security
  • Challenges and path ahead
  • Planned activities for military aviation safety standardisation
  • clock

    16:00

    Chair's Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Air Commodore Sam Sansome, Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre, Royal Air Force


    Head of DE&S Airworthiness Team
    DE&S, UK MoD
    Director General, Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA)
    Royal Australian Air Force
    Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre
    Royal Air Force
    Director, Military Aviation Authority (MAA)
    UK MoD
    Air Officer Commanding, Number 1 Group
    Royal Air Force
    Director of Army Safety/Commanding General
    U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center
    Chief of the Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV)
    Italian Air Force
    Deputy Commander
    Swedish Air Force
    Assistant Head Safety & Assurance
    Joint Helicopter Command
    Chief of Investigation Office, Italian Flight Safety Inspectorate (ItAF ISV)
    Italian Air Force
    Commander
    Multinational Helicopter Training Centre (MHTC)
    Director of Safety, Air Combat Command
    USAF
    Chief of the Accident Prevention Office
    Portuguese Air Force
    Deputy Chief of Safety, Air Force Safety Centre
    USAF
    Tactical RPAS Chief Engineer & Type Airworthiness Authority
    DE&S, UK MoD
    Deputy Commanding Officer
    US Army Combat Readiness Center
    Directorate Analysis and Preventions - Aviation Expert
    US Army Combat Readiness Center
    SMS and Aviation Risk Manager
    Leonardo Helicopters UK
    Deputy Inspector of Safety, RAF Safety Centre
    Royal Air Force
    Commandant Central Flying School, Number 22 Group
    Royal Air Force
    Head of Flight Safety
    Swedish Air Force
    Technical Programme Manager
    EUROCAE
    Air Inspector, Military Aviation Administration
    Latvian National Armed Forces
    CEO
    Robin Radar Systems BV
    Officer Airworthiness & Certification
    NATO

    Gold Sponsor

    Sponsors and Exhibitors

    Exhibitors

    Supporters

    Mr Stéphane Copéret - Speaker Interview

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    Long Agenda

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    Short Agenda

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    Mr Roberts Andrejevs - Speaker Interview

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    Lieutenant Colonel Jan Olof Lindstrm-Speaker Interview

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    Captain Rich Harrison - Speaker Interview

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    Colonel Jorge Inácio - Speaker Interview

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    Colonel Steven Pierce - Speaker Interview

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    Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie - Speaker Interview

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    Air Commodore Joseph Medved - Speaker Interview

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    2022 Attendee List

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    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    Leonardo

    Gold Sponsor
    http://www.leonardo.com

    Leonardo, a global high-technology company, is among the top world players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Organised into five business divisions, Leonardo has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the USA, where it also operates through subsidiaries that include Leonardo DRS (defense electronics), and joint ventures and partnerships: ATR, MBDA, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space and Avio. Leonardo competes in the most important international markets by leveraging its areas of technological and product leadership (Helicopters, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Electronics, Cyber Security and Space.


    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    Robin Radar Systems

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    http://www.robinradar.com

    Robin Radar Systems is a Netherlands-based technology leader in radar systems for tracking and classification of small targets. Combining affordable sensors with smart software, Robin provides actionable information to increase safety and security with its specialised bird and drone radars. Robin’s advanced drone detection radars are used at airports, and for protecting critical infrastructure, military installations, and security events the world over. Our flagship counter-drone radar, IRIS®, has the capacity to detect and track rogue drones, automatically distinguishing them from birds with full 360° coverage; providing essential support for military operations and VIP events. Robin’s installed base of radars is over 140 and counting. For more info visit www.robinradar.com



    tlmnexus

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    http://www.tlmnexus.com

    Originally developed by tlmNexus to provide an innovative approach to managing the continuing airworthiness of the Royal Air Force's Typhoon fleet, the company's Resolve software has now been adopted by the majority of the aircraft types operating in the UK military aviation environment. Resolve represents a significant step forward in the management of safety, through-life engineering and airworthiness assessment. The system provides an auditable electronic workflow and task management system, sharing data securely between the Front Line Command (FLC), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and Industry. The company continues to develop and support further software solutions which similarly link all collaborators involved in long-term high-value military aircraft projects, ranging from Requirements Management, Damage and Repair Tracking, Budgeting and Investment Appraisals to Operational Quality Feedback. In 2018 tlmNexus received the Queen’s Award for Innovation in recognition of Resolve’s contribution to improving the management of aircraft safety. www.tlmnexus.com

    Exhibitors


    RAF SAFETY CENTRE

    Exhibitors
    https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/units/raf-safety-centre/

    THE RAF SAFETY CENTRE

    The Air Safety Centre based at RAF High Wycombe is a safety organisation which delivers effective Total Safety Management and leads on intelligent application of critical thinking. They provide independent assurance of the RAF Safety Management System underpinning the Chief of Air Staffs’ commitment to Total Safety in order to maximise the delivery of RAF capability.


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    Asian Military Review

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    Asian Military Review is ABC audited publication, read & discussed by key decision makers & advisors to Asia Pacific militaries. Published since 1993 it’s widely recognised as authoritative provider of unbiased & objective information to Asian military. Editorial content comprises capability analysis, special reports & relevant news coverage from the region. AMR provides information, opinion & facts allowing military professionals to track & understand defence developments worldwide, concerning equipment, training, organisation & doctrine issues. The magazine is a proven source keeping military professionals up to date on national & international defence & security issues.


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    Defence Online is one of the fastest-growing communities of key decision makers representing defence sector buyers and influencers within the Ministry of Defence, Prime Contractors and Industry. Providing up-to-date and informative news, insight and intelligence, Defence Online allows organisations to engage directly with a range of sector-based solutions, designed specifically to enhance their knowledge and understanding of this ever-evolving marketplace. No matter the size of your organisation, Defence Online has a range of advertising and marketing solutions to suit your business development requirements, connecting you with a marketplace worth over £19 billion annually in the UK alone.


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    Defence Global provides an essential link between the Defence & Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, Government and Military sectors globally. Defence Global is a quarterly, tri-service publication providing articles and informative analysis from respected journalists and writers worldwide to attract a sophisticated and broad audience. Defence Global is published in February, May, August and November, with a professional and stylish design in both printed copy and digital format. The printed copies are perfect bound, full colour throughout with high quality art and photography. Defence Global is used as a reference tool providing a professional and intelligent read. We work with industry experts and corporate clients to include Defence and Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Governments, MoDs, Military Authorities and Senior Management Teams.


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    ARMADA INTERNATIONAL is leading defence magazine which reports on and analyses defence systems, equipment and technology. Together with its Compendium supplements, ARMADA provides defence planners in the militaries, in government, in procurement and in the defence industry itself with the information they need to plan their strategies.

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    179-199 Holland Park Avenue
    London W11 4UL
    United Kingdom

    Hilton London Kensington

    At the heart of the Holland Park district, our hotel is 10 minutes from Westfield London shopping center. We're blocks from Shepherd's Bush Underground station, linking to central London, and Kensington Palace and Gardens are two miles from us. Enjoy 24-hour access to our fitness center.

     
    Join us in WestEleven for hearty buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day! Our Avenue Bar and Lounge serves light bites throughout the day as well as a delicious, seasonal dining menu.”
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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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    Contact SAE Media Group

    UK Office
    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
    SAE Media Group , Ground Floor, India House, 45 Curlew Street, London, SE1 2ND, United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7827 6001
    Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
    Registered in England - SMi Group Ltd trading as SAE Media Group




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