Robert Reckert

Responsibilities and Achievements

• Oversaw regulations and policy governing the certification, training, and operational aspects of air carriers, commercial operators, air agencies, and air carrier airmen.
• Managed and oversaw the National Simulator Program (NSP), air taxi insurance certification functions, and Operations Specifications.
• Responsible for operational aspects of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 60, 61, 63, 65, 121, 125, 135, 136, and 142, including associated policy and guidance (e.g., Advisory Circulars and FAA Order 8900.1).
• Developed open, transparent communications with industry groups to affect policy, solve emerging issues, and manage change (e.g., NATA, A4A, NACA, VAI).
• Collaborated across the industry to develop multiple regulatory exemptions and rulemaking for Part 121 regarding non-smoking signs.
• Sponsored the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC) government co-chair, contributing to the FAA’s publication of the Flight Path Management Advisory Circular (AC 120-123).
• Maintained relationships with various civil aviation organizations, including Transport Canada and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Significant Leadership and Management Accomplishments

• Transformed organizational culture by focusing on leadership development and employee empowerment, resulting in a more motivated and productive workforce.
• Developed an operational framework and organizational intent to modernize 14 CFR Part 60, leading to streamlined processes and increased efficiency.
• Served as Operations Champion for ICAO’s 2024 audit of the US Government, representing the USG for all aspects of air carrier operations, and coordinating extensively across the FAA and other agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, the Transportation Security Administration, and the National Weather Service.
• Government co-chair for the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST), leading initiatives to improve helicopter safety.
• DOT Representative to the Advisory Committee on Air Ambulance Quality and Patient Safety, contributing to improved standards and practices.
• Developed an organizational strategy to transition the Standardized Curriculum effort internally from the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, resulting in a more cohesive training framework.
• Updated Technical Implementation Procedures - Simulator (TIP-S) through the Bi-lateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) process between the FAA and EASA, enhancing international cooperation and standards.
• Led the division to finalize multiple rulemaking projects under AFS-200, including:
  The Powered-lift Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)
  Removal of Check Pilot Medical Requirements
  Secondary Barriers
  Flight Attendant Duty Time
  No-smoking
  Supplemental Passenger Restraints
  Family seating
• Managed multiple requirements within the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, providing technical assistance to various reauthorization mandates.
• FAA Senior Representative at the ICAO 6th Annual Flight Safety Seminar, Seoul Korea, 2023, representing US interests and contributing to international safety discussions.
• Participated in multiple industry-regulator panels, including collaborations with EASA, fostering stronger industry relationships and regulatory alignment.

• Part-time faculty teaching Aviation Law.
• Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
• Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.

• Oversaw programmatic success and organizational health of the division, comprising three main functional areas across five branches: Airman Testing and Standards, Aviation Data Systems, and the service’s Delegation Program.
• Coached, mentored, and developed the division leadership team and subject matter expert/technical staff across the division, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Built relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the larger designee community, enhancing collaboration and industry partnerships.
• Served as the primary business sponsor for the Aviation Rule-making Advisory Committee (ARAC) Airman Certification Standards (ACS) workgroup, driving key initiatives and standards development.
• Managed the service’s airman testing contract with PSI, ensuring high standards of testing and evaluation.
• Led the ACS Incorporation by Reference (IBR) rulemaking activity, contributing to the modernization and clarity of regulations.
• Served as the primary business sponsor for the Designee Management System (DMS), overseeing its development and implementation.
• Led the Pilot Record Database (PRD) rulemaking and automation development, resulting in the publication of 14 CFR Part 111 and supporting change management activities with stakeholders.
• Developed, funded, maintained, and managed the life-cycle of numerous aviation data systems used across AVS, including DMS, PRD, the Service Difficulty Reporting System (SDRS), and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Database (AIDS).
• Managed the Flight Standards Service Delegation Program, including the development of designee policy for 14 CFR Part 183 and coordination with the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) and the Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM).
• Sponsored the development and delivery of initial and recurrent training for FS designees and AIR Designated Airworthiness Representatives (in-person and virtual).
• Administered the Flight Standards Inspector Resource Program (FSIRP), supporting safety assurance checking functions and ensuring high standards of operational safety.

• Completed the deployment of the Designee Management System (DMS) across Flight Standards, streamlining designee management processes.
• Served as FS business sponsor for the development of the AVS Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Office, enhancing organizational capabilities.
• Led the development of Flight Standards policy for the use of Video and Communications Technology (VCT) workgroup, resulting in modernized communication practices.
• Published 14 CFR Part 111, the Pilot Record Database, providing a comprehensive database for pilot records.
• Managed multiple requirements contained within the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, ensuring compliance and implementation.
• Sponsored the ARAC Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Work Group (DPERWG) in response to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, driving key reforms.
• Conducted final consultations under the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, contributing to international aviation safety standards.

• Provided strategic executive leadership across air carrier divisions AFC-100, AFC-200, and AFC-300, managing some of the world's largest cargo operations (UPS, FedEx) and passenger airlines (American Airlines, Southwest Airlines), as well as multiple smaller 14 CFR Part 121 Air Carriers, 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Stations, 14 CFR Part 142 Training Centers, and various delegated individuals and organizations under 14 CFR Part 183.
• Set the culture and behaviors of the functional office, establishing a positive and productive work environment.
• Modeled expected behaviors and values to influence the organizational health of the senior leadership team, setting clear expectations of behavior and accountability.
• Coached and mentored senior managers through complex interpersonal performance and conduct issues, including Whistleblower protections, fostering a supportive and ethical workplace.
• Influenced relationships between Air Carrier Safety Assurance and the Office of Safety Standards by leveraging diverse experience across the service, promoting interdependence and collaboration.

• Coordinated cross-service efforts (FS/ AIR) to address Canadair Regional Jet windshield failures, enhancing safety and reliability.
• Led the B-737 MAX Return to Service with United Airlines (UA), American Airlines (AA), and Southwest Airlines (SWA), ensuring safe and efficient re-entry into service.
• Managed communications throughout the FAA regarding occurrences surrounding the B-737 Max and B-737-800/900 NG aircraft, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
• Collaborated with the Transportation Security Agency, AGC, and the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH) as a member of the Air Carrier Safety Assurance (ACSA) executive leadership team, developing a common strategy for handling unruly passengers.
• Provided executive sponsorship and critical thinking to complete critical certification activities, such as the addition of the Airbus A-220 to the JetBlue certificate and the initial certification of Breeze Airways.

• Oversaw safety assurance functions of a Flight Standards General Aviation Safety Assurance (GASA) office, including accident, incident, and occurrence investigations.
• Investigated multiple accidents, incidents, and occurrences, including a 14 CFR Part 121 Air Carrier accident, ensuring thorough analysis and corrective actions.
• Created, modeled, and ensured accountability to a model work environment, fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Provided safety assurance oversight for a 14 CFR Part 121 Supplemental Air Carrier, 14 CFR 135 Air Carriers, 14 CFR 91 Sub-Part K Fractional Ownership Programs, 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Stations, and other regulated and non-regulated entities.
• Managed personnel, succession planning, and employee development, promoting a high-performing and sustainable workforce.

• Successfully transformed organizational culture within the Portland, ME FSDO by:
  Holding all employees accountable to the Flight Standards Service’s values, behaviors, expectations, and policies.
  Ensuring adherence to National Work Program Guidelines and the Safety Assurance System (SAS) oversight model.
  Introducing and coaching all employees on work prioritization based on policy and risk-based decision-making.
  Influencing stakeholders to expect consistency, critical thinking, and interdependence in the application of agency regulations and policy.
  Leading efforts to modernize business practices, including electronic record keeping, development of an electronic library, and automation-based workflows to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
• Developed and mentored employees, guiding them into positions of greater responsibility and leadership.
• Led the FSDO in changing mindsets to support interdependence and the introduction of the first Pilatus PC-24 aircraft into 14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier operations.

Held positions of Front Line Manager and Assistant Manager, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in various leadership roles.

• Participated in the safety stand-down and subsequent investigation/evaluation of the Aircraft Certification Service’s (AIR) flight program, ensuring comprehensive safety analysis and improvements.
• Served as the FSDO’s initial Safety Assurance System (SAS) Subject Matter Expert (SME) for SAS deployment, providing expertise and guidance during the rollout.
• Developed multiple business products and processes, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Provided regulatory oversight of various entities and personnel under 14 CFR Part 133, 135, 141, 145, and 183.

HH-60M Standardization Instructor Pilot

• Provided standardization for medical evacuation missions, ensuring operational readiness and safety.

Other Positions Held within the United States Army and National Guard:

AH-64D Apache Longbow Maintenance Test Pilot and Maintenance Officer

• Conducted maintenance testing and provided technical oversight, ensuring the operational readiness of AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters.

• Responsible for regulatory compliance and safe operation of aircraft and crew conducting helicopter air ambulance operations under 14 CFR Part 135.
• Maintained positive relationships with medical crew to support a just culture and effective crew resource management.