Services
Consulting on Safety
Most accident investigation uses models that, although simple to understand, become self-limiting. Although I am adept at these historical methods, which include 5-Whys, 5-M, Bow-Tie, HFACS, root cause analysis, FTA, ETA, SHELL and more, and include them as part of my university lectures, all of them are limiting in terms of identifying all the factors involved in an accident. As a consequence of this, for practical purposes, we keep repeating the same accident over and over again, even across different industries. The surface details may differ, but the underlying factors are almost identical, whether it is aviation, weapon systems, nuclear power, chemical, heavy lift, law enforcement or medicine. Through the application of causal analysis based on system theory, developed at MIT, I can help find factors that go beyond the traditional methods to comprehensively identify aspects that can be used to prevent future accidents.
Expert Witness
I have been called as an expert witness for both U.S. and major international investigations. My combination of expertise with many years teaching the topics at university provide a solid foundation to explain complex topics to lay people. When it comes to analysis of accidents and incidents I can provide analysis in a multitude of high-risk industries. Using system theoretic causal analysis combined with academic literature, the identified factors are based on science rather than opinion. This method can be used to explain the context for why decisions were made - an extremely valuable facet whether the case involves the plaintiff or the defense. In addition, with nearly 50 years of experience in aviation coupled with teaching economic facets of aviation enable me to provide expertise on litigation involving domestic issues for airline personnel as well.
Accident Investigation
Most accident investigation uses models that, although simple to understand, become self-limiting. Although I am adept at these historical methods, which include 5-Whys, 5-M, Bow-Tie, HFACS, root cause analysis, FTA, ETA, SHELL and more, and include them as part of my university lectures, all of them are limiting in terms of identifying all the factors involved in an accident. As a consequence of this, for practical purposes, we keep repeating the same accident over and over again, even across different industries. The surface details may differ, but the underlying factors are almost identical, whether it is aviation, weapon systems, nuclear power, chemical, heavy lift, law enforcement or medicine. Through the application of causal analysis based on system theory, developed at MIT, I can help find factors that go beyond the traditional methods to comprehensively identify aspects that can be used to prevent future accidents.
Weather and Radar Training
Weather and radar are not taught beyond a superficial level and most airlines, corporate or military operators. In fact, many pilots have not had a weather theory course much beyond their very early training. Similarly, radar is mostly left to the pilots reading the manuals and learning from others. Many modern radar systems include automated aspects that are generally poorly understood, if at all. Like any automated system, the pilot needs to have a working mental model of the system operation, and, perhaps more importantly, the limitations of the model used for the automation design. It is no surprise that we continue to see passenger and cabin crew injuries due to unexpected encounters with situations that lead to severe turbulence. Absent training the pilots are attempting to navigate around weather with an incomplete mental model of what is occurring. I have taught and created courses for pilots, organizations, university, air traffic control and the military on weather and aviation radar.
