A practioner and manager in Initial Airworthiness, Certification, Test and Evaluation and Safety Management Systems covering both Military and Civil environments. Having successfully achieved Design and Flight Test approvals and implemented a Safety Management System I have practical experience in understanding the requirements and expectations of the Regulators and can advise on best course of actions to achieve success in gaining approvals.
Expertise and capability
Initial Airworthiness, specialising in Design Certification, Design Organisation Approvals for Civil and Military Aircraft. Experience includes holding a Form 4 position as Head of Airworthiness for Civil (EASA & CAA) and UK MAA Design Approvals. Supporting a Trade Organisation liaising with Government, Regulatory and Industry on Airworthiness Policy and Regulation.
Test & Evaluation management and delivery covering Flight Test and Ground Test for Civil and Military fixed wing aircraft. Experience includes management and execution of Flight Trials for military Radar & Weapons sytems and Aircraft Certification Ground and Flight Trials for large and small transport aircraft under both Military and Civil Regulations.
Safety Management System implementation. Experience includes implementing the SMS and as Safety Manager ensuring that the organisation’s SMS met the appropriate regulatory requirements.
Career background and experience
Prior to joining Baines Simmons in 2019, Michael started his career in aviation in the RAF as an avionics technician before moving into the Test & Evaluation environment as a Flight Test Engineer supporting Flight Trials on Tornado Radar & Weapons Systems at BAE and DERA Boscombe Down.
As the Head of Test & Evaluation for Marshall Aerospace Michael was responsible for the management of the Test and Evaluation department which included Ground Test, Flight Test and Avionics and Systems Ground Test Rigs with the primary function to ensure that the delivery and assurance of all ground and flight tests met regulatory and customer operational requirements, with emphasis on Flight Safety.
Using his experience in Regulation and Certifcation became Head of Airworthiness for Raytheon where as an EASA Form 4, CAA AD458, DAOS signatory and CFAOS Post Holder had responsibility for the management of governance issues within Airworthiness across the organisation advising all departments in matters of Airworthiness. He established the SMS fro the organisation and fulfilled the role of Safety Manager during the implementation period.
