March Speakout w/ Mike Schwartz

Mike Schwartz is an Aviation Safety Inspector with the Safety Management Systems (SMS) Program Office in Washington DC. He is an Implementation Support Team Member responsible for developing and promoting policy and guidance concerning SMS implementation.

Mike joined the FAA in 2011 after working as an FAA contractor and previously as a Customer Support Engineer for a major Regional Aircraft Manufacturer. He is also an Aircraft Maintenance Technician with experience maintaining part 121 air carrier aircraft and General Aviation aircraft. Mike studied aircraft maintenance while in the United States Air Force where he served honorably for 12 years, 9 of which were supporting aircraft flight test programs at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. He is an FAA certificated Airline Transport Pilot, and an active Gold Seal Flight Instructor. He was selected as an AOPA Flight Training Awards Honor Roll Flight Instructor in 2013 and 2014. He is also a Certificated Remote Pilot for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Maintenance Management and a Master’s Degree in Safety from Middle Tennessee State University.

Mike also provides initial and advanced instruction in various Cessna and Diamond aircraft. Conducts Flight Reviews, Instrument Proficiency Checks and other pilot checks as assigned. Conducts maintenance ferry flights and pilot services. Provides flight, simulator, and ground instruction in accordance with company and FAA regulations and procedures. Prepares schedules, maintain records, and ensure that course standards, training requirements, and objectives are met by each student in each flight course. Daily experience with the extremely congested Washington D.C Special Flight Rules Area and Air Traffic Control (ATC) coordination consisting of flight planning, ATC holding procedures, fuel management, weather minimums and alternate airport requirements. Participates in safety risk processes to identify the safety issues associated with flight training and operations being conducted. Ensures student and renter pilot compliance with safe operation of aircraft in the National Airspace System.