May 8, 2017
Steve Charbonneau, former NBAA Safety Committee Chair, last week received the Flight Safety Foundation’s (FSF’s) Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award at the annual Business Aviation Safety Summit. FSF presented him the award, which recognizes outstanding service and contributions to business aviation safety, for his leadership in the implementation of corporate flight operational quality assurance (C-FOQA).
“Steve is an ambassador for business aviation safety, and his commitment to safety, particularly in the areas of safety data sharing and pilot training, is tireless,” said Mark Larsen, CAM, NBAA’s Safety Committee staff liaison and senior manager of safety and flight operations. “Steve was a trailblazer in safety data sharing. In addition to his work on C-FOQA, he was a driving force in ensuring the acceptance of business aviation into the FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing System (ASIAS).”
Under Charbonneau’s guidance, the NBAA Safety Committee developed a training management system that relies heavily on safety data collected through safety management systems, as well as via ASIAS and C-FOQA, to identify risks specific to the operator and then mitigate those risks through improved, targeted training.
Before coming to business aviation, Charbonneau was a pilot, military flight safety officer and accident investigator with the Canadian Air Force, serving in the Gulf War and during the crisis in the Balkans, before retiring from the military in 1998. He leverages his time in the air force – as well as his experience as a business aviator and demonstration and instructor pilot for Bombardier – to promote safety.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Steve for many years, and his leadership in business aviation safety is without parallel,” said Doug Carr, NBAA’s vice president of regulatory and international affairs. “NBAA is grateful for Steve’s many contributions to the association and the business aviation community. We congratulate him in receiving this prestigious award.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.