Airlines Expert Witnesses

Kit Darby was the president of AIR, Inc., the largest Career Information Resource company for pilots for 25 years. Mr. Darby Provides Answers and Statistical Data, but also Guidance through the Constantly Changing Aviation Industry. He works with Military, General Aviation, Corporate, and Commuter Pilots transitioning to the larger airlines. Mr. Darby provides complete, timely, and accurate career information to help pilots make informed decisions throughout their job search and to assist them in their career development as an airline pilot. Retired United Airlines captain, airline and military instructor pilot.

AIR-Experts Services Provided:

Pilot Career Earnings and Employability Models

Depositions and Trials

Expert Witness and Litigation Support

Case Preparation and Analysis

Pilot Forecasting:

Pilot Hiring and Equipment forecast

Economic Forecast

Pilot Supply and Demand

Pilot Hiring

Joseph Aviation Consulting (JAC), offers over 49 years of worldwide aviation experience. This level of expertise includes nearly 29,000 flight hours in over 80 models of aircraft ranging from General Aviation to High-Performance Military and Air Carrier. Operational expertise includes more than 44 years experience as a flight instructor in the aforementioned aircraft types. In addition to flight experience, JAC offers 36 years of aviation accident reconstruction and analysis and has been involved with hundreds of aircraft accident/incident investigations. Further, JAC possesses over 38 years of aviation safety and standardization development.

Because of our experience, JAC can provide Accident Analysis, Aviation safety Program Development, Safety Management Systems (SMS) Integration, Flight Department Management, Pilot Employment, IS-BAO accredited auditing and Expert Witness Testimony which refines, substantiates or frequently refutes prior findings. This concise methodological approach to accident analysis has proven time and again to be a formidable litigation tool.

"J" Joseph is a retired airline pilot and retired United States Marine Corps Colonel. Currently, he is the Deputy Director of Aviation, Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations for the Texas Department of Transportation. He is an active member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and International Business Aviation Council (IBAC/IS-BAO). Colonel Joseph is a highly decorated Naval Aviator and is formally trained in aviation accident investigation. His distinguished career in the Marine Corps includes a tour with the United States Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (The Blue Angels). While assigned to the team, he was the Senior KC-130 Demonstration Pilot and Squadron Safety Officer. In this capacity, he had constant exposure to the national media. Most recently, his commentary has been featured in aviation documentaries and several national and international cable-news outlets.

With this diverse and uniquely qualified background, JAC is your firms Aviation Expert.

Robert L. Ditchey specializes in Aviation and Airline Maintenance. As a consultant for major airlines, financial institutions and aerospace manufacturers, Mr. Ditchey's Areas of Expertise include the following:

Airline Accident Investigation

Airline Insurance

Airline Maintenance & Operations

Federal Aviation Regulations

Aircraft Design, Performance and Analysis

Aircraft Purchase and Lease Agreements

Maintenance Records and Procedures

Airline contracts

Airline pilot, Mechanic and Aircrew Training

Expert Witness

Education:

AE (Aeronautical Engineer), California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 1973

MS (Aeronautical Engineering), Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA 1969

BS, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 1962

Honors & Awards: Awarded Society of Sigma Xi for excellence in Engineering Research.

Civil Case Experience: Airline accident litigation and civil case involving pilot actions in aircraft hull loss.

Helen Zienkievicz has the unique experience of longevity and active engagement in two fields of expertise, Aviation Safety and Nursing. She has held, and continues to hold, a multitude of positions in both of these industries.

Ms. Zienkievicz holds a Masters Degree in Nursing Education and Research and is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. She is qualified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and belongs to a multitude of nursing-related organizations including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

During her 29 year career with United Airlines, Ms. Zienkievicz held a variety of positions including Airlines Manager of Health, Safety & Security for Onboard (Flight Attendant) Service Division. Her duties included oversight of airline cabin regulatory compliance of FAA and TSA regulations, primary division liaison with FAA Principle Cabin Inspector, direct investigation of cabin safety incidents and accidents, and advisor to corporate safety, training, medical, personnel, communications, legal and division management.

Ms. Zienkievicz provides expert opinion on aviation cases for both Plaintiff and Defense. With an extensive background in both aviation and nursing, she offers attorneys a unique perspective on aviation cases related to cabin safety, regulations, and training.

Aviation Safety Expertise

• Aircraft Cabin Safety
• FAA Regulations
• Air Carrier Access Act
• Passenger - Flight Attendant Injury / Illness Management
• Flight Attendant Instruction
• Turbulence Response
• Flight Attendant Policy and Procedure
• Crew Resource Management
• Threat Error Management

View Helen Zienkievicz's Consulting Profile.

Richard "Pete" Burgess provides service as an Aviaton Consultant for air traffic services, procedures, pilot experience and aircraft accident investigations. Mr. Burgess has been the Owner of Burgess Aviation Consultants since 1994 and specializes in the analysis of FAA Air Traffic Control service and the application of procedures in the following areas:

Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC's)

Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCT's)

Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities (TRACON's)

Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSS's)

Flight Path Reconstruction and Graphic Preparation of Accident/Incident Aircraft

Detailed Transcript Preparation of Air Traffic Recordings

As President of BGS Aviation, Inc., aircraft rental and flight instruction, Mr. Burgess is an Instrument-Rated Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor for Multi/Single Engine airplane. He has over 2900 hours of flight time.

EXPERIENCE

1972 to 1994 Air Traffic Control Supervisory and Management - FAA

Managed and supervised the National evaluations of over 160 FAA air traffic ARTCC's, ATCT's, TRACON's and AFSS's facilities in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama

Qualified on all positions of operation and actively controlled traffic as supervisor and manager at El Paso and Little Rock ATC Tower and radar approach control facilities

Served as consultant and expert witness in trials involving aircraft accidents and enforcement actions in St. Louis, Kansas City and Little Rock

Investigated the application and effectiveness of air traffic control procedures at Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Kansas City Airports, as a result of major accidents at those airports

1957 to 1972 Air Traffic Controller - FAA & U.S. Navy

Air Traffic Terminal Controller at NAS Saufley Field, Pensacola, FL and NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the U.S. Navy, and Santa Fe, NM in the FAA

Flight Service Specialist in El Paso, TX. Santa Fe, NM and Lubbock, TX

Air Traffic Tower and Radar Approach Controller in Lubbock, TX and San Antonio, TX

Dr. Michael J. Dreikorn, EdD, is an Aviation, Space and Defense industry Quality and Regulatory Compliance Expert. He provides technical investigation into complex issues within the Aviation, Space, Defense and Maritime industries, as well as highly regulated High-Tech industries.

Background Experience - Dr. Dreikorn has extensive experience, having held positions such as VP Quality and Product Integrity at Pratt & Whitney; Deputy Division Manager of the Production and Airworthiness Division of the FAA, and other notable leadership and technical positions. His aircraft familiarization includes space vehicles, general aviation, commercial transport, and military aircraft, for both fixed and rotor wing applications.

Among many other career accomplishments, Dr. Dreikorn led design, production and quality systems for the greenfield start-up of a European commercial aircraft interior manufacturer, resulting in the Boeing President’s Award for 100% on-time delivery with 100% quality within 24 months. He conceived and developed an industry-wide body of knowledge aimed at the Aviation, Space, and Defense industry practitioner, a years-long personal project that evolved into an industry standard. Dr. Dreikorn was also recommended by a 4-star admiral, recruited by the Secretary of the Navy to serve on a technical advisory committee to identify solutions to acquisition challenges. He is the author of 3 published books including Synergy of One.

Areas of Expertise Include:

Aviation Accident Investigation / Reconstruction Aviation Accident Prevention Aircraft Maintenance / Manufacturing Aviation Alternative Dispute Resolution AS9100 and quality standards Aviation Business Organization Document Examiner DoD Procurement Rules Aviation Due Diligence Aviation Engineering Quality Assurance

Aviation Evidence Protection FAA Regulations False Claims Against the Government Aviation Human Factors Laboratories Management Responsibility Professional Malpractice Professional Responsibility Aviation Regulatory Compliance Aviation Safety Management Systems

Douglas Moss (BS Engr, MS Engr, MBA) is a trained and experienced professional pilot and engineer. He conducts research and testifies on aircraft accidents and airport land-use issues such as thermal plumes, birdstrike hazards, and FAR Part 77 obstructions. His aviation experience spans over 30 years as an engineer and pilot, including assignments as a USAF fighter pilot, USAF test pilot, McDonnell Douglas test pilot, airline pilot, and general aviation pilot. His academic education includes both bachelor and master degrees in engineering, with additional advanced degrees in business and law. He has also been a faculty instructor at the USAF Test Pilot School, teaching aircraft certification, flying qualities, performance, systems, and human factors. He currently is an instructor of Human Factors at the University of Southern California.

His analysis of Aviation Accidents and issues typically involve the following considerations:

• Engineering and scientific basis
• Operational factors
• Human factors
• Aircraft certification compliance (14 CFR Parts 21 and 25)
• FAR statutory compliance (14 CFR Parts 91, 121 and 135)
• Strict products liability
• Aircrew standard of care

Experience Includes:

• Over 10,000 flight hours
• Human Factors faculty instructor
• USAF experimental test pilot
• McDonnell Douglas engineering test pilot
• USAF Test Pilot School instructor
• Airline pilot
• ATP Typed DC-9, MD-80, MD-90, MD-11, A320 and Flight Engineer
• Qualified in Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron