Daniel Smith

This letter provides a summary of my professional achievements. I currently serve as an Airspace Project Specialist and Airspace Operations Officer with the Office of Airspace Regulation. In this role, I am responsible for ensuring the risk to airspace users in both controlled and uncontrolled volumes of airspace is a low as reasonably practicable.

Through data analysis from a number of industry participants and intelligence gathered via stakeholder consultation, I assess the appropriateness of airspace classifications and consider the human factors associated with operations within the study area. My responsibilities also include investigating and applying new datasets to support more robust risk evaluations.

I thrive on engaging in stakeholder negotiations, customer relations, and industry forums, consistently working to deliver outcomes that minimise or mitigate unacceptable risks to aviation safety.

Professor of Aviation – Job Ref - 563/2025

1.1 Bachelor degree in Aviation (Management or Human Factors) or Engineering

While I do not hold a formal Bachelor qualification, I have undertaken extensive tertiary-level training across aviation disciplines, including CASA-accredited Aerodrome Reporting Officer, Aviation Works Safety Officer, Aircraft Weight & Balance Certification, and Performance Based Navigation Design (Jeppesen, 2021). My industry qualifications are reinforced by nearly two decades of leadership experience within Airservices Australia, CASA, and Perth Airport.

1.2 PhD in Aviation (Management or Human Factors) or Engineering

Although I have not undertaken a doctoral program, I bring an equivalent depth of expertise through 20+ years of applied experience in airspace regulation, human factors, and safety management. My leadership roles have required academic-level analysis of airspace data, authorship of regulatory reports, and the development of evidence-based frameworks aligned with CASA and ICAO standards.

1.3 Eligibility for professional registration with Engineers Australia

I have completed multiple accredited technical and safety courses (Lead Auditor, Entry Control and Risk Analysis, PBN Design, Emergency Control Organisation) and maintain active engagement with CASA and Airservices projects requiring compliance with engineering and safety standards.

1.4 Demonstrated experience in an aviation organisation or management, either as a pilot or human factors specialist

I have extensive management experience across CASA (Airspace Project Specialist), Airservices Australia (Aviation Relationship Manager), Perth Airport (Duty Manager/ACC), and Skywest Airlines (Operations Controller). My roles have consistently centred on safety, risk, and human factors in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace environments.

2.1 High-level ability to develop and deliver quality teaching materials in Aviation

I have designed and delivered a range of technical training resources, including Standard Operating Procedures for Perth Airport’s Terminal 2 operations, emergency management training packages, and industry briefing material for airspace changes. My communication skills allow me to present complex safety and human factors issues to a wide range of stakeholders including pilots, controllers, government officials, and community groups.

2.2 Ability to contribute to the development and coordination of courses and curricula in Aviation

At Perth Airport and Airservices Australia, I developed operating manuals, training packages, and industry presentations that functioned as curricula for operational and regulatory purposes. These include ground operations training, ramp safety, and emergency control organisation materials. I have coordinated multi-agency training exercises to test and validate safety systems, aligning with national aviation curricula frameworks.

3.1 Leadership experience and contribution to organisational innovation and change

As Airspace Project Specialist at CASA, I have led data-driven innovations to improve airspace risk assessment, including the integration of new datasets to strengthen regulatory decision-making. At Airservices Australia, I managed stakeholder engagement for billion-dollar projects such as the Forrestfield Airport Link and CAT III ILS Upgrade, ensuring strategic alignment between operational and safety priorities.

3.2 Recognised professional standing within the discipline

I have represented CASA and Airservices at federal, state, and local forums, including Regional Airspace and Procedures Advisory Committees, providing expert advice on national policy and regulatory issues. My professional standing is also reflected in ministerial and government engagement, leadership in safety and infrastructure projects, and contributions to statutory and regulatory committees.

5.1 Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Throughout my career I have engaged with diverse stakeholders, from government ministers to local aerodrome operators. I am frequently called upon to brief and negotiate with airlines, regulators, and defence counterparts, requiring clarity, persuasion, and diplomacy.

5.2 High-level administrative, planning, and organisational capability

I have overseen multimillion-dollar aviation projects, coordinated cross-agency regulatory approvals, and managed national aviation datasets at CASA. My planning and organisational skills have been central to delivering projects within strict safety, budget, and regulatory parameters.

5.3 Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

I have successfully led multi-disciplinary teams across CASA, Airservices Australia, Perth Airport, and Skywest. My roles consistently involve collaboration with technical, operational, and government partners to deliver shared safety and service outcomes.

5.4 Understanding and commitment to Equal Opportunity and WHS principles

As a Safety Management System (SMS) committee member, OSH representative, and emergency control leader, I have actively implemented workplace health, safety, and equity principles. I am committed to creating inclusive environments that prioritise both operational safety and staff wellbeing.

• 2022 State rally champion C4 (Classic all wheel drive turbo cars)
• 2017 Mens' veteran 8 state rowing champion
• 2016 Finisher 70.3 Iron Man Busselton

• Pilot Officer Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC)
• Training Officer 708 SQN AAFC

• Performance Based Navigation Design, Jeppesen, 2021-08-06
• Entry Control and Risk Analysis, CASA, 2018-03-26
• Lead Auditor, SouthPac, 2019-09-17
• Air Traffic Control PBN operations, Airservices Australia, 2013-04-15
• Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation, Total Hazard Solutions, 2008-12-02
• Lead an Emergency Control Organisation, Total Hazard Solutions, 2008-12-02
• Certificate III in Public Safety, TAFE QLD, 2007-07-15
• CASA Accredited Aviation Works Safety Officer, National Jet Systems, 2005-06-25
• CASA Accredited Aerodrome Reporting Officer, National Jet Systems, 2005-06-25
• Aircraft Weight and Balance Certification, National Jet Systems, 2005-02-15
• Dangerous Good Training, National Jet Systems, 2005-11-05
• Ramp Handling Training, National Jet Systems, 2005-01-15
• Ground to Air Radio Telephony, West Australian Aviation College, 2004-12-15
• Developing Major Accounts, Track, 1998-04-15
• Professional Selling Techniques, AIM, 1991-02-26

• Triathlon, Active competitor, 2015-01-01, Half Ironman finisher Busselton70.3 2016
• Rallying, 2022 State Champion Group C4 (4WD Turbo), 1997 State Champion Group N2 (1600cc FWD)
• Rowing, Non-active Member, 1994-01-01, 2005-01-01, 1992 Men’s Junior Four State Champion, 1991 Men’s Maiden Pair State Champion, 1990 Men’s Single Scull Novice State Champion