CAF Retains Safety Expert to Review Flight Operations

MIDLAND, Texas (March 22, 2004) - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has implemented a top-to-bottom safety program. "It is essential that we change our corporate culture," said Doug Rozendaal, member of the CAF's board of directors, "to send a loud and clear message to the entire CAF that we must change the way we do business if we wish to continue flying our warbirds."

To assist in bringing about this change in corporate culture, the CAF has retained the services of aviation consultant Dick Hanusa who will review and evaluate the CAF’s regulations, safety program, staffing and its accident/incident history. Once completed, Hanusa will provide a written report containing recommended changes and additions to existing policies as well as recommendations regarding “industry best practices” being utilized by similar organizations that may apply to the CAF.

Hanusa has been involved in aviation for 34 years and most recently completed 18 years in the Federal Aviation Administration where he served as a FAA operations inspector and operations unit supervisor.

CAF initiatives to date to change its corporate safety culture include: mandatory safety reviews by all CAF flight crews, pilot safety meetings held at the unit level, creation of a CAF safety committee comprised of the CAF’s board of directors and printing of safety articles in all CAF publications.

Future initiatives will encompass: recurring safety meetings for ground and flight operations, safety poster campaign, staffing analysis, safety reporting and feedback system and an all inclusive safety culture.

For more information please contact Tina Corbett at (432) 563-1000, ext. 2231.

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