Alexandria, VA, September 17, 2008 – The Flight Safety Foundation announced today that Executive Vice President Robert H. Vandel has announced his intention to retire on December 31, 2008.
"Bob has had a tremendously distinguished career of public service and has made huge contributions to global aviation safety," said FSF Chairman Edward W. Stimpson. "He's played a key leadership role in everything we've done and helped bring aviation safety to the forefront in over 75 countries around the world."
Mr. Vandel's distinguished and longtime FSF service includes early and sustained efforts for safety initiatives within China; developing the European Aviation Safety Seminar; establishing the Corporate–Flight Operations Quality Assurance (C-FOQA) program, and FSF leadership in reducing accidents caused by wind shear, preventing controlled flight into terrain, minimizing approach and landing errors, and combating fatigue in corporate/business aircraft operations.
"We're very grateful for his 20-year outstanding contributions to aviation safety at the Flight Safety Foundation," said FSF President and CEO William R. Voss, "and we wish Bob very well in his retirement."
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, auditing, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation's mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety and the prevention of accidents. www.flightsafety.org
