Our Team

Tom is the President and CEO of The Aloft Group, LLC and the Managing Director of Aloft Aviation Consulting, Ltd in Dalkey Ireland (a wholly-owned Aloft subsidiary). In 2006, he and partner Terry Eisenbart founded Aloft and grew the companies into a multi-million dollar operation spanning three continents. He has over 38 years of aviation experience including aircraft command and operations, U.S. FAA and international air traffic control, airline dispatch, and flight and air traffic control training. He has extensive high-level government experience with aircraft accident and incident investigations, litigation, air traffic control procedure development, ATC facility management, as well as expertise in aviation security, emergency operations, and military operations. He led the air traffic investigations for major accidents including the explosion of TWA800 and the aircraft crash into the White House, provided technical support for the development of TCAS, and supported American Airlines first voluntary safety reporting program. Tom is the developer of APF Methodology™ currently being implemented throughout Europe. He holds an ATPL and remains a current instructor pilot.

Terry is the Executive Vice President – Operations and Marketing of The Aloft Group, LLC, and Director, Aloft Aviation Consulting, Ltd, in Dalkey Ireland. She has 30 years of leadership experience in the aviation industry including marketing, sales, training, product development, and community and government relations. With 24 years at the number one low cost carrier in the U.S., Southwest Airlines, Terry is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in low cost carrier tactics and strategies. She has a proven record of accomplishment in marketing and sales exceeding all goals, and in developing innovative promotions and special events to build the Southwest Airlines brand into a dominating market presence. She also has extensive community and media relations experience interacting with the public, city and government officials.

Lyle is the Vice President – Safety Analysis of The Aloft Group, LLC. A professional manager and leader with 45 years of aviation experience overall, Lyle retired from 30 years of senior levels of responsibility with the U.S. FAA. He has experience in air traffic control, management of airport and fixed-base operations, line maintenance of aircraft, and an investigative background in technical, criminal and medical fields, both in military and civilian capacities. Particular strengths include direct experience with most major aviation accident investigations, both international and domestic, over a period of two decades; and an in-depth understanding of the many conflicting roles involved in high-visibility catastrophic events – providing the objective ability to bring clarity to chaotic situations.

Ruxandra is the Vice President – Europe for Aloft Aviation Consulting, Ltd. Ruxandra has a broad understanding of airline operations – from the technical and operational aspects to the strategic and commercial ones. Her career started at EUROCONTROL, the European Safety Agency for Air Navigation, where she worked with the ANSPs across Europe improving safety performance. She then moved on to the commercial side of the industry as the Marketing and Sales Director at the first low cost airlines in Romania, Blue Air. Her standout skills in the area of airline operations drew the attention of Binter Canarias of Spain where she assumed responsibility as International Expansion Manager – expanding the fleet from ATR72s to B737-400s and transitioning the airline from a traditional island-based operation to an international carrier. Most recently, Ruxandra led TAROM, the Romanian national airline, as the CEO where she successfully grew its passenger numbers by more that 25% and formed an important strategic partnership for TAROM by joining the SkyTeam Alliance. Ruxandra holds an Aerospace MBA degree from Ecole Superieur de Commerce de Toulouse in France and an Aviation Administration Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Francis College in New York.

A former Senior Executive with Southwest Airlines U.S.A., Go Fly Limited of the U.K., and North American Airlines with extensive experience in flight and airline operations and an overall 40-year history in the aviation industry. As Vice President of Flight Operations at Southwest for 11 years, he ensured maximum safety, reliability and efficiency for the airline while growing the airline 270% up to 3,500 employees in flight operations. Paul is a proven leader in labor relations, strategic development, flight operations, and Customer Service.

Bob is the Senior Director, Safety and Risk Management for Aloft. He recently retired from Qantas after a distinguished career in aviation safety. At Qantas he was instrumental in building the airline’s safety management system including innovative developments in risk management across a broad range of risk areas.

In his role with Qantas, Bob managed all aspects of the safety function including investigation, audit and evaluation, safety data and analysis and risk management. He was instrumental in proposing and implementing new safety governance oversight reporting supporting the Group’s Board Safety Committee and acted as the safety advisor to operational managers from Flight Operations, Engineering, Cabin and Ramp Operations.

Prior to joining Qantas he managed his own consulting firm providing aviation safety management and regulatory advice. During this period he provided advice to governments on subjects ranging from the establishment of a new civil aviation administration to assessment of risks associated with major airport expansion as well as support to airlines in establishing and improving safety management processes.

As a General Manager with Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority, he helped guide the newly formed organisation into a new world of system based safety regulation. He accepted a key role in establishing and leading a program of industry and technical experts to totally rewrite the country’s regulatory structure. His skills in building consensus across a disparate and fractious industry were instrumental in establishing a foundation for all future efforts. Subsequently he accepted the challenge of substantially revitalising safety promotion efforts in Australia developing innovative communication concepts that are still widely used and applauded.

Bob has an extensive and varied knowledge and background that support his management and leadership skills. Graduating from a mathematical physics background he spent 15 years in marketing and market research both within companies and as a service provider. His experience in aviation safety covers two countries, Canada and Australia, and includes safety systems, safety regulation, investigation and analysis in both jurisdictions. Capping this has been over a decade in the day-to-day management of operational safety in an airline from the board level to the ramp.

Edward is the Senior Director – Market Strategy and Performance for airlines and airport. He is a seasoned leader and innovator in airline and airport planning, commercial and marketing strategy, revenue and market share target setting, brand management, and program and portfolio management. A former Southwest Airlines leader for 22 years, Edward offers experience and expertise gained in a unique environment within one of the most successful airlines in aviation history that knows how to manage costs and increase revenues while maintaining outstanding customer relations. He has developed strong skills in all areas of marketing and performance management and strategy execution, training and coaching people in their development, and results driven through clearly defining and aligning objectives and metrics. During his tenure at Southwest, Edward led confidential, inter-departmental projects to improve city, network and brand performance; evaluated potential new product lines; and identified marketing and network opportunities and risks in proposed acquisitions. He also evaluated and recommended corporate objectives and strategies for existing and potential markets for the airline. Additional experience was gained on the Airport – Properties and Facilities side of the airline, where he led public sector, multi-party lease and facility negotiations and devised and implemented facility strategies to manage airport costs while providing adequate facilities.

Alan is an airline Flight Operations and Training professional with over 40 years of diverse airline and corporate aviation senior management and instructor pilot roles. He has a unique track record that includes assisting startup airlines with manuals and operations programs all the way through to FAA operating certification. An experienced airman, he has accumulated over 17,000 flight hours with nine (9) ATP type ratings and proficiency check authority on a wide range of Boeing, Airbus and Douglas aircraft. Alan’s broad background in both line flying operations and senior management positions truly qualify him to assist others with their flight operations and training requirements.

A former Southwest Airlines Director of Flight Crew Planning and Scheduling for 16 years, Joe was actively recruited by Southwest for his outstanding skill and experience in his area of expertise. He has a distinguished airline career in a variety of additional managerial roles in the area of Pilot and Cabin Crew Planning and Scheduling. He served at Continental Airlines where he rose in responsibility from Cabin Crew Scheduler to Director of Cabin Crew Utilization over an eight-year period. This experience was followed by a variety of consulting opportunities in airline start-up and growth situations including Skybus Airlines and flydubai in a consulting role where he improved operational efficiency and reduced costs through revising, creating and implementing new policies and procedures. His knowledge of FRMS impact on operational crew scheduling provides an ideal blend of expertise.

Toney was the former Director of Heavy Maintenance with Southwest Airlines for 18 years and, most recently, led SkyBus from inception through FAA certification as Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance. His career started with Braniff International where he moved into manager roles before moving to Southwest Airlines. At Southwest, he led the low cost carrier in the maintenance area through the Morris Air conversion and development of many heavy maintenance programs and initiatives. His key achievements include development of a new FAR 121 Maintenance Program for the Airbus A319 aircraft; and, negotiation for a multi-billion dollar airplane and engine agreement with Airbus and CFMI including the first in the industry – Total Support Program.

Luca is an aerospace consultant with a broad background across many disciplines of aviation. He has carried out consulting work for the past 10 years within various organizations in different parts of the world such as: AeroStrategy, Suleasing Internacional, and the International Air Transport Association. Working with these companies has enabled him to complete an array of projects in Project Management and contract negotiation; RNAV / RNP procedures and Airspace Capacity & Strategy; Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) market analysis; Flight planning & Route analysis; and Aircraft and Aerodrome Operations. Luca is a proactive contributor to the process of defining, developing, and implementing strategic business objectives within the aerospace industry. He holds dual citizenship with Italy and Colombia, and recently completed the Professional Pilot Training Ab-Inito Course with Pan Am International Flight Academy in Miami (PAIFA), obtaining an FAA Commercial Single & Multi Engine pilot license with no restrictions, and further completed the Jet Transition and CRM with Advanced Airline Operations & Airline Pilot ATC Training Course on a 737 Level-C Simulator, and further added a High Power Engine Endorsement.

Ben is a former FAA Senior Official with more than 30 years of experience and a nationally recognized expert on the subjects of airport safety and Federal safety regulation of airports. Ben was designated as a “national resource expert” in airport safety certification under 14 CFR, Part 139, including the subjects of Part 139 requirements for airport inspections; airport signing, marking and lighting; aircraft rescue and firefighting; wildlife hazard management; and emergency planning and response. This position also served as the Airports’ Line of Business (ARP) liaison with Air Traffic Service on runway safety and prevention of runway incursions; the lead representative for ARP in the National Transportation Safety Board accident investigations; and developed course materials and provided training to domestic and foreign airport personnel on airport safety certification. He served as the Acting Manager of the Airport Safety and Operations Division in 2001 and was responsible for the Airport Master Data Program, commonly referred to as the “5010 program.” He was also responsible for the development of a Safety Management System Program in order to meet the ICAO standards and was the lead official in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program preparation on the Airports Line of Business. He served as the primary liaison with the Runway Safety Program Office for Promotion of runway safety and reduction of runway incursions.

Larry is an FAA career professional in the fields of Air Traffic Control (ATC), Human Factors (HF) and emergency operations planning. His ATC credentials include 17 years in positions of increasing responsibility at Tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities where he has been a terminal controller, facility trainer, TRACON supervisor, FAA Academy instructor, and tower manager. Larry also served 4 years in the United States Air Force as a radar air traffic (RAPCON) controller. He spent the last 17 years of his career at FAA National Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he devoted most of his time to managing the Air Traffic Control Human Factors Research and Engineering Program. In this capacity, Larry oversaw the planning and execution of a portfolio of research projects that directly supported FAA long-term goals and objectives. His research program contributed information to the design and deployment of major ATC systems acquisitions including STARS, DSR, AMASS, VSCS, URET, ASDE-3 and numerous ancillary systems and procedures. The HF research program cut across the spectrum of human issues that confront air traffic control for example: human error mitigation; safety and risk analysis; automation design; safety culture; procedures design; performance assessment and enhancement; information display; and man-machine interface design. Larry’s unique background in both air traffic control and human factors engineering has given him an exceptional perspective from which to identify human factors issues inherent in the design, implementation, and operation of complex ATC systems. While in Washington D.C., Larry spent 3 years as HF manager for the National Runway Safety Program. He collaterally served 5 years in Federal emergency operations programs at the FAA division, FAA agency, and DOT national levels. He has hands-on experience in emergency operations planning, execution and assessment. At his retirement, Larry held a TS/SCI security clearance. He has a bachelor’s degree (BA) in psychology and a master of business administration (MBA) degree.

Joe is a former FAA Air Safety Investigator and Airworthiness Inspector with 42 years experience operating at high levels of responsibility in Civil Aviation and the U.S. Government. Experience in management of fixed base operations, airside and ramp safety, flight deck operations, line maintenance in general aviation, air taxi, and air carrier operations, and a background in accident/incident investigations. Particular strengths include global travel experience, direct experience in many major aviation accident investigations, and in-depth understanding of the many conflicting roles involved in high-visibility catastrophic events. Joe participated as Chairman in the Maintenance Review Board process for the new Cessna 680 aircraft.

Mike is a leader and aviation professional with more than 32 years of experience in aviation management and training in the Air Traffic Control industry. As Assistant ATM at Chicago O’Hare ATCT/TRACON; ATM Sioux Falls, SD (FSD); ATM Lubbock, TX (LBB); and ATM ABQ, responsible for operational oversight of flight and ATC procedures for both runway and airborne operations. He was responsible for oversight of a $20M budget and supervisory responsibility for as many as 195 employees. Mike held leadership positions that included air traffic control supervision and management at the HUB and branch levels, including Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Training background includes delivery of technical, management/supervisory, and labor relations courses. He managed oversight of simulation training for prospective air traffic controllers

Ricky is a professional with experience in FAA operational Air Traffic Control facility supervision, training, and management. He is a recognized “change agent” with skills in team building among groups both internal and external to the U.S. Government. His broad reach of experience includes a term as the NATCA Union President, Air Traffic Control liaison with civic organizations and the U.S. National Laboratories, and positions as a FAA Procedures Specialist, Air Traffic Controller, Front Line Manager, Staff Manager, Assistant Facility Manager, and Facility Manager at Albuquerque Tower. Under his leadership, in his first year as Facility Manager, the Albuquerque Tower won the “FAA Facility of the Year.”

Douglas is Chief Executive of Fatigue Risk Management Science Limited and has worked in a number of industries with design engineering, sales and marketing, business development and chief executive roles. Before founding FRMSc with other scientists and airline executives, a keen interest in how people function attracted him to work in Business Development within QinetiQ’s 300 strong Centre for Human Science in Farnborough, England working with sleep specialist Dr Barbara Stone and mathematician Mick Spencer. He transferred to the Human Factors group from the Fast Jet cockpit business team having previously worked elsewhere in QinetiQ including GPS positioning, IT systems and Telematics business areas. Before joining QinetiQ, Douglas spent a large part of his career as CEO of a number of technology focused international businesses that strongly featured business turnaround and post acquisition merger challenges. He has started up a number of technology based enterprises and has charitable interests serving as chair and trustee on two major UK based community organizations. Douglas holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from University of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England and an MBA from Glasgow University, Scotland.

Dr. Stone is a Technical Manager at FRMSc. Until 2010, she was the Technical Manager of the QinetiQ Human Protection and Performance Enhancement Group in Farnborough, Hampshire, UK, and is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of sleep, human performance, duty schedules and their effect on performance. She is also a member of the European Sleep Research Society and the British Pharmacological Society. She began her career in sleep research when she joined the Royal Air Force Institute of Aviation Medicine in Farnborough and set up one of the first sleep laboratories in the UK after studying sleep at the University of Lyon. She has a BSc in Physiology from the University of Manchester and a PhD on the effects of environmental factors on sleep from the University of Surrey. Barbara has completed research programs which included: the effects of duty schedules and jet lag on the sleep and alertness of civil aircrew; the shift patterns of air traffic controllers and train drivers; irregular schedules of work and rest and the effects of drugs such as hypnotics, melatonin, stimulants, and antihistamines on sleep and performance; the effects of environmental changes on sleep including investigations on the effects of altitude (in the Alps and the Karakorum Mountains), light, noise and jet lag. She is also a visiting lecturer at London University where she teaches on sleep and jet lag to the Diploma in Aviation Medicine.

Mr. Peter Stastny, Director of ATMSC, is highly experienced in aviation safety at both national and international levels. Having worked in civil aviation for more than 40 years, he was Head of ATM Policy in the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Safety Regulation Group, before becoming (in 1998) Head of Safety Regulation Unit in EUROCONTROL, a post he held for over 10 years.
In this appointment, he was managerially responsible for developing European safety regulatory requirements in ATM and leading the implementation of a harmonized safety regulatory approach across Europe. His lengthy professional aviation career offers core expertise in safety management and safety regulation as applied to all sectors of aviation, as well as in the related techniques, systems and practices needed for the further development of optimum levels of safety performance.

Frank founded PRG in 2003 and grew its Government Services and Homeland Security products into a company supporting multiple federal agencies and the military with specialized in country and international training, support services and security and force protection equipment. PRG is comprised of former senior governmental officials and federal agents from organizations such as U.S. Customs (ICE & CBP), FBI, DEA, USSS, FAA, TSA/Federal Air Marshal Service, and DoS. The core experience includes anti-terrorism programs, border management and security activities; customs field operations, inspection and administration of airports, seaports and land border ports of entry, domestic and transnational investigations that include money laundering and the identification/ removal of the proceeds of illegal activity, and asset forfeiture program management services. The PRG experience base also includes operational and organizational assessments, threat and security management, intelligence analysis, collection and reporting, development and management of homeland security policies and procedures as well as the development, update, and maintenance of security related operations, exercises and training.