Aviation Expert Witnesses

Quentin Brasie, Chairman and CEO, has over 33 years of experience in the Aviation Industry. A Federally licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, he is familiar with a wide variety of aviation assets including aircrafts, engines, spare parts, and flight simulators.

Background - Mr. Brasie began his career with the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge from the armed forces, Mr. Brasie served as a line mechanic for New York Air and American Airlines. His expertise in the industry led to management positions with Discovery Airways, and Avitas, Inc. He was a founding partner of Aviation Solutions, Inc., based in Manassas, Virginia, and held numerous executive positions, including vice president. In July of 2000, Mr. Brasie founded ACI Aviation Consulting where he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the corporation.

Mr. Brasie is the Editor-In-Chief and owner of The Airliner Price Guide publication. Established in 1985, the publication provides current market values for commercial aircraft and engines for a wide industry subscriber base. He has also conducted industry presentations, published articles in numerous trade publications, and completed numerous manufacturer and airline courses.

Litigation Support - Mr. Brasie provides expert witness services on behalf of ACI to various law firms and state governments dealing with global aviation issues. He has been qualified in a Federal District Court as an expert in the Valuation of Aircraft and Aircraft Components, and in the Maintenance Programs for Aircraft and Aircraft Components. Mr. Brasie has conducted industry presentations, published articles in numerous trade publications, completed numerous manufacturer and airline courses, and holds an FAA A&P license.

Mr. Brasie's expertise is available to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant. His client list includes Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Nolan & Heller, LLP., Ravitz and Pallas, P.C., Andrews & Kurth, KMZ Rosenman, Skadden, Arps, Meagher, Flom, LLP., John Kalled Law Firm, Emmet Marvin & Martin, Squire Sanders and Hoskin, Farina, and Aldrich & Kampf to name a few.

View Quentin Brasie's Consulting Profile.

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

Larry Grandy has over 46 years of progressive experience and knowledge in Aviation Operations, holding numerous civilian and military ratings and designations. He served for decades as a Career Officer and Squadron Commander in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Grandy is currently serving as a Flight Instructor and Pilot in Command for a large Aeromedical Helicopter Company. His background includes previous service as an FAA Check Airman. 

Litigation Support - Mr. Grandy's has over 20 years of experience providing Aircraft Accident Investigation and Aviation Operations Research and Analysis, including military and civilian Mishaps. He provides expert witness testimony and consulting to defense and plaintiff attorneys. Excellent attorney references.

Areas of Expertise :Aviation Safety Consulting, Accident Reconstruction, Human Factors, Pilot & Aircrew Actions, FAA,  NTSB.

Keith M. Cianfrani, MAS, CRSP, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, the founder and owner, has over 30 years of aviation experience. He is a master army aviator, aviation safety officer, commercial pilot, instructor pilot, and was an accident investigator for the U.S. Army Safety Center.

Background - Mr. Cianfrani is rated in both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. As a safety officer, he has managed safety programs in organizations with over 100 aircraft stationed throughout 5 states. Mr. Cianfrani is currently an instructor for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Kansas State University. He is also presently attending Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) as a PhD Student in Aviation Science.

Mr. Cianfrani is a certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and has also worked in the civilian, commercial aviation industry. He has been flying for companies such as Petroleum Helicopters, Damin Aviation, Keystone Helicopters, Island Helicopters, and Chopper 6 and Chopper 3 in Philadelphia. He also has experience in the flight for life, aero medical evacuation industry.

Litigation Support - Keith Cianfrani specializes in Human Factors and Material Failure in Aviation Accident Investigations. He serves as an aviation safety consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration and FIT. An IS-BAO Certified Safety Auditor, he provides safety evaluations in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations. His services are available nationally and internationally and include written reports, depositions, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Pilot / Crew Performance Human Factors Maintenance Environmental Factors Meteorological Factors

Safety Training Material Factors Aviation Accident Reconstruction FAA Regulatory Compliance Safety Audits

View Keith Cianfrani'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

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.

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.

Envista Forensics is a global leader in Forensic Engineering & Recovery Solutions. They provide Cause & Origin, Failure Analysis, Fire and Explosion Investigations, Accident Reconstruction, Damage Evaluations and Equipment Restoration Services following disasters of all kinds. Envista has offered Consulting Services to the insurance, legal and risk management industries, as well as businesses, public entities, and universities for over 25 years. Their Experts travel globally from 30 offices located across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Australia and Singapore.

Envista's experience counts when equipment, systems, structures, or data have been threatened by catastrophe or litigation. Their experts and advisors determine cause and responsibility, and identify the nature and extent of damage or loss and provide a full range of solutions to protect their assets. Envista's technical professionals are trusted advisors and industry leaders. Their expertise is broad and deep, capable of withstanding all forms of scrutiny. Envista's services are available globally so that certainty is assured no matter where in the world it is needed. As the recovery from disasters has grown more complex, Envista has developed a comprehensive array of services to help their clients and has associates located around the globe to provide assurance no matter the type of loss or location of the disaster.

Envista helps attorneys quickly get to meaningful answers on the many technical issues at the center of a dispute. Their engineers have decades of experience working with both defendants and plaintiffs. They offer effective Expert Witness Testimony, with the ability to communicate effectively, build rapport with juries and judges, and maintain adherence to structured, methodical approaches in drawing conclusions are all extremely critical. Envista Forensics understands how critical the selection of an expert can be, and we understand what makes experts effective. Their court qualified experts have extensive experience providing expert testimony on a wide variety of engineering and technical matters.

Areas of Expertise:

Aviation & Aerospace Biomechanics Construction Defects Digital Forensics Electrical Injury & Electrocutions Causation Chemical Computer / Network Equipment Failure Construction Defect Disputes over Reparability of Damage Electrical Failure Equipment Restoration Fire & Explosion Analysis Equipment Restoration

Industrial / Manufacturing Equipment Materials Failure Mechanical Accidents Mechanical Failure Medical / Laboratory Equipment Product Failure / Liability Project Management Structural Failure Subrogation Utility & Energy Valuation of Structures or Equipment Vehicle Accident Investigation Workplace / Premises Accidents

View Envista's Consulting Profile.

Jet Management Associates, LLC (JMA), is a Miami-based Corporate Aviation Consulting firm that represents individuals, aviation businesses, and attorneys in all matters relating to corporate aviation transactions, disputes, maintenance, operations, and accounting. JMA’s suite of services include:

• Litigation and Expert Witness Representation – Counsel Manufacturers, corporate, and individual clients on matters ranging from transaction disputes, escrow disputes, aviation insurance issues, management company disputes, maintenance organization disputes, FBO disputes, and aviation-related transaction disputes.
• Aircraft Acquisitions Consulting - Negotiate clear, concise aircraft purchase agreements and leases, management and operating agreements with aircraft management/charter companies, which delineate the parties’ operational and financial duties.
• Aircraft Management and Charter - Provide the full vertical of management services, including crew hiring/management, CPA-level reporting, charter sales and charter certificate oversight.
• Aircraft Operations Accounting – Produce financial statements, reports highlighting material operating cost categories like average cost per gallon/room night/direct operating cost per hour, and comprehensive vendor list and back-up. Additionally, we audit the accounting of Part 91 and Part 135 operations.

Matthew T. Winer, JD, is the Founder & Director of JMA. He began his aviation career as on-demand aircraft charter broker and within 2-years, his company, Prudential Aviation, began acquiring and managing aircraft. In 2010, Mr. Winer merged Prudential Aviation together with Executive Air Services (EAS Charter), a 25-year old Part 135 aircraft charter operator. From 2010 until 2012 EAS grew its fleet from 3 to 14 aircraft, was recertified as an ARG/US Platinum Safety operator and added Wyvern Wingman IS-BAO Stage 1&2 designations. EAS expanded to three offices, managing planes as far as Trinidad and Dallas, TX. EAS is a BBB accredited Vendor, has membership in a number of local South Florida aviation organizations, and regularly exhibits at the annual NBAA convention. Mr. Winer graduated from Babson College with a B.S. in Finance and Vermont Law School, with a J.D. and focus on commercial law. He has been cited in Business and Commercial Aviation, Aviation International News, Aviation Week, Avinode, Business Jet Traveler, Business Air, Corporate Jet Investor, FlyCorporate, South Florida Business Journal, Wings Magazine, and Executive and VIP Aviation International. Mr. Winer has lectured at Embry Riddle Aviation University and spoken at a number of Corporate Aviation Seminars.

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 Trends

Pilot hiring requirements

target="blank">www.air-experts.com and www.KitDarby.com

Micale Partners has over 60 years of combined technical and operations experience in Aircraft Design and Operation, Space Launch Vehicle Design and Operation and Automotive Design. They provide services to clients both nationally and internationally.

Micale Partners combines expertise in aerospace design, aircraft flight and airline operations. This combination provides the client a consulting resource that understands how a system should be designed, fabricated, assembled and used. The depth and complete knowledge of aviation allow Micale Partners to serve as a formidable expert witness resource. The experts at Micale Partners also provide a diverse background of industry experience ranging from aircraft to automotive to space launch vehicles.

Litigation Support Services:

Documentation Review Failure Root Cause Investigation Engineering Corrective Action Definition Transcript Review / Process Review Event, Incident, or Accident Timeline Mapping

Event Recreation Design Deficiencies Failure Vehicle Performance Fact Finding Analysis Human Factors Assessment

Anthony G. Micale, BSME, MBA, has over 32 years of Aerospace and Automotive Engineering experience, including rigorous Failure Analysis. Mr. Micale is a dual citizen of the Unites States and the European Union. He has Top Secret Clearance TS/SCI – Special Intelligence (SI) / Talent Keyhole (TK)and Department Of Defense (DOD) Secret Clearance.

Mr. Micale is also currently employed at The Aerospace Corporation, a Federally Funded Research and Development Corporation where he contributes to US space flight mission assurance. He has specialized in aerospace design and operation of flight and space vehicles with an emphasis on Flight Safety and Mission Assurance. Mr. Micale is a past technical leader of an aircraft accident and incident investigation board comprised of engineers, pilots and legal counsel for a major commercial aircraft manufacturer. In this role he has studied, understood, created reports and defined design changes to resolve aircraft safety issues.

Over his career, Mr. Micale has conducted numerous analyses of root cause to determine failures attributed to: Design Flaws, Human Error, Human Workload, Improper Manufacturing, and Inadequate Maintenance. He has designed aircraft systems, conducted testing and performed evaluation that have led to aircraft certification with the FAA and the CAA. His experience includes interface with aircraft manufacturers, space vehicle manufactures, commercial aircraft operators and government agencies.

Anthony Micale has also been employed by Ford Motor Company where he designed automotive vehicle powertrains and vehicle control systems. He has vehicle dynamics training and understands the basis for vehicle stability and car crash dynamics.

Practice Areas:

Aerospace Engineering Aircraft Engineering Failure Investigation Failure Analysis Aircraft Safety Risk Assessment Flight Controls Systems Design

Human Factors Hazardous Operations Space Vehicle Design Fact Finding Event Reconstruction Technical Drawings Throttle Control Anti-Lock Brakes

Paul J. Micale, Pilot, Masters Aeronautical Science, is an active airline pilot with 26 years of flight experience 13 of which are under FAR Part 121. Specializing in Aviation and Aerospace and Transportation, he has over 7,200 flight hours with multiple ratings.

A decorated veteran, Mr. Micale has also been forward deployed as a combat pilot with the US Army during 7 years of active duty. He has been a combat pilot in both the C-12 (Beechcraft 200) aircraft and the AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter.

Mr. Micale's career includes continued service as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves where he has been a pilot and commander of flight units. As a military pilot, Mr. Micale has flown fixed and rotary wing helicopter aircraft. His education and experience emphasizes Flight Operations and Safety. He has Department Of Defense (DOD) Secret Clearance.

Paul Micale is a licensed civilian Airline Transport Pilot with type rating as Pilot in Command and is currently employed by American Eagle Airlines as a CRJ-700 Pilot and First Officer in the Canadair Regional Jet aircraft with 65 seat occupancy. He is FAA certified for CAT II instrument approaches and to fly in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace. Mr. Micale is type rated for this and other aircraft requiring an FAA type rating. He has a Masters of Aeronautical Science with a specialization in aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Practice Areas:

Airline Pilot Military Pilot Aviation Pilot Army Aviator / Army Pilot Flight Operations Helicopter Pilot Aircraft Safety Risk Assessment Human Factors

Crew Resource Management FAR 121 Pilot FAR Part 121 Pilot FAR 135 Pilot FAR Part 135 Pilot Flight Safety Aircraft Safety Crewmember Fatigue.

View Micale Partners Consulting Profile.

Mechanical Engineer - Turbomachinery Expert. Gas turbine engines, steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, pumps, expanders, generators, cogeneration, combustion equipment, diesel engines, and reciprocating compressors. Failure analysis, stress analysis, mechanical design, design analysis, troubleshooting, performance analysis, durability assessment. Access to metallurgical laboratory. Experienced Expert witness.

Please see our Service List at www.sbkushnick.com/servicelist.pdf for a concise description.