Full Name
Robert Thomas
Position
Managing Director - Flight StandardS
Office
United Airlines
Speaker Bio
Robert is the Managing Director of Flight Standards at United Airlines, where he leads a team responsible for all policy, standard operating procedures, quality control, technical publications, and safety risk management of Flight Operations. Robert previously served as the Managing Director of Aviation Safety, leading a team responsible for Flight Safety Investigations, Accident Technical Response, Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), Regulatory Compliance, Dangerous Goods, and the Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) programs serving five operating divisions, five labor groups, and covering more than 100,000 employees across United’s global network. Robert currently serves alongside the FAA co-chair, as the industry co-chair of the FAA Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC).
Robert began is airline career at Colgan, Pinnacle, and later Air Wisconsin before joining United. During this time he served in several roles to include pilot instructor, CRM/TEM facilitator, courseware developer, LOSA observer, and base Chief Pilot. On behalf of United and A4A, he served as a member of the IATA Safety Group, Star Alliance Safety Committee, ASIAS Executive Board, and ACT ARC Steering Committee.
Robert proudly served the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. in multiple capacities during his time at three airlines. Most recently as the Human Factors & Training Chair at ALPA Intl. until January 2022. On behalf of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association (IFALPA), Robert contributed as a HUPER committee member and served as Chair of the IFALPA Pilot Profession Working Group, leading the team responsible for membership and contributions to the ICAO Personnel Training and Licensing Panel. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the United MEC Training Committee and as an ALPA ASAP ERC member.
Robert possesses experience with both domestic and foreign aviation policymaking, while working to enhance aviation safety in partnership with regulators, safety and labor organizations, aircraft manufacturers, training providers, industry, and other stakeholders. Robert currently flies as a Captain on the Airbus A319/320/321 at United, with type ratings and previous experience on the Boeing 787, CL65, and SF340.
Robert began is airline career at Colgan, Pinnacle, and later Air Wisconsin before joining United. During this time he served in several roles to include pilot instructor, CRM/TEM facilitator, courseware developer, LOSA observer, and base Chief Pilot. On behalf of United and A4A, he served as a member of the IATA Safety Group, Star Alliance Safety Committee, ASIAS Executive Board, and ACT ARC Steering Committee.
Robert proudly served the Air Line Pilots Association, Intl. in multiple capacities during his time at three airlines. Most recently as the Human Factors & Training Chair at ALPA Intl. until January 2022. On behalf of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association (IFALPA), Robert contributed as a HUPER committee member and served as Chair of the IFALPA Pilot Profession Working Group, leading the team responsible for membership and contributions to the ICAO Personnel Training and Licensing Panel. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the United MEC Training Committee and as an ALPA ASAP ERC member.
Robert possesses experience with both domestic and foreign aviation policymaking, while working to enhance aviation safety in partnership with regulators, safety and labor organizations, aircraft manufacturers, training providers, industry, and other stakeholders. Robert currently flies as a Captain on the Airbus A319/320/321 at United, with type ratings and previous experience on the Boeing 787, CL65, and SF340.
Speaking At
