Sentient Jet Adds Independent Safety Advisory Board

Massachusetts-based Sentient Jet, a provider of private jet membership, has formed an independent safety advisory board in the private aviation industry. The Sentient Jet Safety Advisory Board will bring together a coalition of highly-regarded aviation industry experts focused on enhancing Sentient’s safety practices and standards.

The five member Board will be chaired by Dave Thomas, former director of the Office of Accident Investigation for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Thomas has more than 34 years of aviation experience involving all aspects of accident investigation and prevention, safety management, and aviation emergency planning. His career includes 14 years in senior management positions with the FAA and 13 years with the National Transportation Safety Board, where his experience included leadership of safety studies and accident prevention programs. Most recently, he was director of Safety for an international insurance broker.

Joining Thomas will be:

— Jane Garvey, the former Administrator of the FAA. Garvey is a member of the Sentient Board of Directors and is also executive vice president of APCO and chairman of the company’s transportation consulting practice. Garvey was previously the first-ever FAA Administrator appointed by the President for a five-year term and was responsible for leading the nation’s aviation system into the 21st century. Under her leadership, the FAA successfully established a risk management approach across the entire aviation community to improve safety and made aggressive strides to expand the capacity and capabilities of the air traffic control system.

— Larry Hecht, chief pilot for Flightworks Inc., an Atlanta-based aircraft charter and management company which is rapidly expanding, having recently opened a facility outside of Washington, D.C. in Manassas, Virginia. Flightworks reportedly has a strong reputation for safety and customer service and is Wyvern-recommended and ARG/US Platinum rated.

— Andrew Richmond, president of TWC Aviation Inc. TWC Aviation is a fast-growing leader in worldwide jet charter services and aircraft sales, management, and maintenance. Under Richmond’s leadership, TWC has achieved both Wyvern-recommended and ARG/US gold rated status.

— Greg Phillips, a former lead investigator for the NTSB. With more than 26 years in the aviation industry, he brings a wide range of experiences and expertise in aircraft safety. During his 16 years as an NTSB investigator, Phillips participated in many major aviation investigations as an engineering specialist, U.S. Accredited Representative, and Investigator in Charge (IIC). In addition to his role on the advisory board, Greg will also serve as an expert advisor to Sentient to ensure successful implementation of all safety standards in daily operations.

The Board will report its recommendations directly to Sentient CEO Steven Hankin.