Expert Witness

Smith Aeronautical

Aircraft expert witnesses are an essential part of the legal process for both defendants and plaintiffs in a dispute. As an expert in the field of aviation maintenance, I bring over 35 years of hands-on fixed wing aircraft maintenance, repair, and alteration background to serve as an professional expert witness in your case. While I am familiar with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations in many areas, my particular career focus has been in the regulatory world of 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 145 knowledge – Aircraft Maintenance and FAA Certified Aircraft Repair Stations. I am experienced with the deposition process and available to serve as an expert witness offering opinions on regulatory compliance or other areas in the aviation maintenance arena as outlined below.

Having been the Chief Inspector for a unique FAA Certified Repair Station (CRS) since 1992, I am fluent with all operations of an FAA CRS operating under 14 CFR Part 145. My expertise includes major structural repairs of all types of General Aviation aircraft from medium sized corporate jets down to Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). I have previously designed and executed hundreds of major repairs without the need or support from the aircraft manufacturers, thus affording the aircraft owners an independent, FAA-approved repair process for their damaged aircraft.

Many repair projects require specialized knowledge and expertise, not only to complete the repairs but to obtain the required FAA approvals. With extensive experience navigating these processes, I am available to opine on the following services:

Inspections for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) programs for custom repairs as they relate to the new Damage Tolerant (DT) designed aircraft
Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), utilizing FAA Aircraft Certification Offices (ACO) or certified Organization Design Authorization (ODA) facilities to acquire approval for alterations
Design of custom repairs with detailed drawing packages using aerospace standards for approval by FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) through FAA Form 8110-3 acquiring Approved Data for execution of FAA Form 337
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) process for both domestic and international parts, having written a PMA Manual and holding the title of Accountable Manager for a Production Approval Holder (PAH) certificate

Areas of Expertise:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Independent repair processes
Custom repairs
Obtaining alteration approval
Damage Tolerant designed aircraft
Aircraft accidents
Aircraft repairs
Inspections for Continued Airworthiness
Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs)
FAA Aircraft Certification Offices (ACOs)
Organization Design Authorization (ODA) facilities
Working with FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs)
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) process
PMA manuals

Education:

1983 – Colorado Aerotech, Broomfield, CO / Aviation Trade School
1983 – Front Range Community College, Northglenn, CO / Associates Degree Applied Aviation
1988 – Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO / Bachelor’s Degree Aviation Management
1999 – Phoenix University – Government Contracts, Negotiating and Writing

Licenses and Certifications:

1983 – FAA Rating – Airframe & Powerplant Technician
1989 – Boeing 737 and McDonnel Douglas MD-80 Aircraft Run-up and Taxi qualified
2000 – FAA Rating – Private Pilot, single engine complex
2013 – FAA Rating – Instrument Airplane

Training:

1988 – Boeing 737 Maintenance Training with live simulator
1996 – Israeli Aircraft Industries 1124 Westwind Maintenance Training with live simulator
2001 – FAA / DOT – Training on Designated Employer Representative
2006 – FAA Human Factors Training related to Aviation Maintenance

Professional Memberships:

Aviation Insurance Association – corporate member
Organization of Flying Adjusters – associate member
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Cessna Pilots Association
Bonanza Owners Society