Dave Higginbotham
Aviation Safety Professional
Phone:
Email:
​
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
​
​
​
Hi, I'm Dave
I have many years' experience developing the skills and tools necessary to implement and manage quality systems and safety risk management programs. My experience negotiating with global civil aviation authorities on airworthiness certification, civil and military aviation maintenance, military flight operations, and managing aviation safety, add up to a broad portfolio to support safe execution of your international aviation plans.
Let's talk about how I can support your goals.
Let's Get Stuff Done.
EXPERIENCE
1997-2025
Aviation Safety Inspector,
Foreign Affairs Specialist
Manager, International Office
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Regulatory analyst; senior manufacturing aviation safety inspector; technical expert to the Director of Aircraft Certification Service; Chief of Staff for Aviation Safety; Foreign Affairs Specialist for Russia, Africa and Middle-East; Senior Foreign Affairs Specialist to ICAO and Pan-America Region.
1984-1996
Aviation Maintenance,
Flight Operations,
Consulting
AVIATION INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Military aircraft maintenance; component maintenance in a part 145 repair station; civilian aircraft maintenance for a part 135 air taxi operator; mechanic and maintenance supervisor for a part 121 operator; aviation consultant to civil operators, corporate flight departments, and the FAA.
1988-2007
Aviation Safety Officer,
Helicopter Pilot
VIRGINIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
Approximately 2,500 accident-free flight hours, operating day or night in all weather conditions, performing all military aircraft operations in training or combat environments. Managed the aviation safety program, conducted safety risk management throughout mission execution, corrected unsafe practices and conditions, and monitored and mitigated identified hazards.
EDUCATION
1998-2001
Bachelor's Degree
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Professional Aeronautics
1991
Aviation Safety Officer Course
U.S. Army Safety Center
Acquired the skills necessary to manage and administer an Aviation Safety Program at company and battalion levels.
1989
Warrant Officer Flight Training
U.S. Army Aviation Center
Honor Graduate
RELEVANT TRAINING
ICAO vCampus: Safety Management
Aircraft Certification Systems Evaluation Program
ISO Lead Auditor Course
SMS for Aviation Safety
​
FAA Managers Course
Conduct and Discipline for FAA Managers
Managing Unconscious Bias
14 CFR Part 21
EXPERTISE
-
Negotiating agreements with international civil aviation authorities
-
Implementation and execution of aviation safety programs
-
ICAO airworthiness certification standards and processes
-
Conducting risk management processes during aviation operations
-
Production quality systems for aeronautical products
-
Challenges to international operation of unmanned systems
CRED
VOLUNTEER
MANNA FoodBank
I volunteer with MANNA FoodBank in Asheville, North Carolina, helping organize food distribution from their main warehouse. MANNA coordinates the collection, storage, and delivery of food to partner agencies serving communities across Western North Carolina, supporting thousands of neighbors experiencing food insecurity.