CHIRP is pleased to announce the appointment of William (Bill) Dean as their new Advanced Air Mobility Programme Manager.
Bill, a former military pilot who specialised in flight test, served with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm for 23 years, firstly as a helicopter pilot and then for most of his career flying the Sea Harrier FRS1 & 2 during worldwide operations. He also completed a flying exchange tour with the USN flying F/A 18C Hornet.
Since leaving military service, Bill has worked in the aviation industry for 15 years, specialising in flight test safety, firstly with Rolls-Royce Aerospace and latterly with Boeing Defence UK. During this time, Bill obtained an MSc in Aviation Safety and Human Factors from the Cranfield Air Accident Investigation Centre, as well as keeping his flying qualifications current by display flying warbirds at airshows in the UK and abroad.
The Advanced Air Mobility Programme will cover systems that incorporate support for next-generation transport such as such as remotely piloted, autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It is a new programme area for CHIRP.
Nicky Smith, CHIRP Director Aviation said: “We are delighted to welcome Bill to CHIRP and believe that his rotary and fixed wing flying background, as well as many years working in industry focusing on aviation safety, will be a great asset to the team moving forwards. The rapid emergence of new technology and capabilities in the Advanced Air Mobility sector is an area where we feel that CHIRP can really add value in Human Factors safety. We’re incredibly lucky to have Bill on board to lead this work.”
If you would like to connect with Bill as his programme develops, please contact us at mail@chirp.co.uk