Aviation experts from the U.S. Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration will be highlighted speakers at the fifth annual International Helicopter Safety Symposium taking place in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 8-9. The theme of the symposium will be Human Factors: our Collective Challenge – Our Individual Responsibility.

The event is a gathering of helicopter operators, manufacturers, service providers, trade associations, academia, government regulators, pilots, mechanics, instructors, and other industry participants from across the globe aimed at finding ways to drive the helicopter accident rate lower. Organizations involved in the symposium also are members of the International Helicopter Safety Team, which was created in 2005 with a mission of reducing the worldwide civil helicopter accident rate by 80 percent by 2016.

On the second day of the symposium, Captain John Nettleton, Force Safety Officer for Commander Naval Air Forces, will speak on Mitigating Accidents in the Non-Combat Environment. Nettleton is a career Navy helicopter pilot, and was commanding officer for the HS-11 “Dragonslayers” helicopter squadron and for the HS-10 “Warhawks” helicopter squadron.

On the same day, Dr. Bill Johnson, FAA Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance, will discuss how Human Factors and fatigue affect performance in maintenance. Dr. Johnson has more than 30 years applied research and development experience with a focus on human performance in maintenance and repair of complex systems. His experience has included research in Navy helicopters, civil aircraft, the NASA orbiter, and Army electronics.

In addition, find out about the newest aviation technologies and the latest helicopter intelligence from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. This is a global gathering that should not be missed.

Make your hotel reservation by Oct. 19 to ensure a low room rate and join the drive for safe helicopter operations.