Location: Commemorative Air Force Headquarters (Dallas, TX) 

Reports To: Chief Aviation Officer (CAO)

Position Overview:

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Safety Programs to lead the organization’s aviation safety initiatives and ensure the safe operation of the world’s largest flying collections of historic military aircraft. This critical leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive safety programs across all CAF units, events, and flight operations.

The Director will oversee all facets of operational safety, from flight demonstrations to hangar operations, fostering a culture of risk awareness and compliance across CAF Units, Squadrons, and events. The ideal candidate is a seasoned aviation professional with a passion for aviation history, operational safety, and the preservation of legacy aircraft.

This is a civilian position and does not require enlistment in the Armed Services.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety Management & Risk Mitigation:

· Further develop and oversee the CAF Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring consistent application across all operations and squadrons.

· Conduct and supervise safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments for aircraft, maintenance & restoration facilities, and event venues.

· Investigate incidents & accidents, lead root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

· Establish protocols to address the unique operational risks of vintage and warbird aircraft, including flight demonstrations, airshows, and aircraft restorations.

Ground and Industrial Safety:

· Further develop and implement comprehensive ground safety protocols for CAF hangars, maintenance facilities, and operational areas.

· Ensure compliance with OSHA and other workplace safety regulations related to aircraft maintenance, fuel handling, hazardous materials, and machine operations.

· Oversee and improve facility safety measures, including fire prevention, tool safety, electrical safety, and accident prevention programs.

· Conduct regular facility visits to collaborate and support Unit Safety Officers. 

· Implement and manage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programs and ensure adherence to safety standards during restoration and aircraft servicing.

· Support ground crew training on topics such as ramp operations, aircraft marshalling, and emergency procedures.

Safety Training and Development:

• Further design and implement comprehensive safety training programs for pilots, ground crew, and support personnel.

• Organize and conduct regular flight safety seminars, crew resource management (CRM) workshops, and emergency response drills.

• Collaborate with Unit Safety Officers (USOs) to ensure feedback loops on important safety topics.

• Ensure all operational personnel are trained on evolving FAA regulations, CAF-specific protocols, and industry best practices.

Operational Safety – Airshows & Events:

• Further develop and enforce specialized safety procedures for airshows, fly-ins, commemorative flights, and public demonstrations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for airshow safety coordination with the FAA and event organizers.

• Manage and oversee flightline safety, crowd control measures, and emergency response planning at CAF events.

• Ensure pre-flight briefings and post-event debriefings focus on continuous improvement and hazard mitigation.

Organizational Leadership of Safety Culture Building:

• Further foster a culture of safety throughout the CAF by promoting open communication, encouraging reporting of hazards, and recognizing safety-conscious behaviors.

• Lead safety committees and represent the CAF in aviation safety forums, heritage flight groups, and regulatory safety discussions.

• Further develop internal safety campaigns and communicate safety updates across the organization.

• Lead CAF’s safety committees and engage with Unit Safety Officers to align safety goals.

Facilitate internal communication strategies to share safety lessons learned across all CAF divisions. 

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in aviation safety, flight operations, or risk management, preferably with vintage, military, or warbird aircraft.

• Strong knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety practices, and airshow operations.

• Proven track record in implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) or equivalent safety programs.

• Experience conducting incident investigations, risk assessments, and safety audits.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse teams including pilots, mechanics, and administrative staff.

• Ability to travel frequently to CAF Units, airshows, and events.

Preferred:

• Certification as a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) or equivalent aviation safety credential.

• Experience in Airshow flight operations or heritage aircraft programs.

• Pilot’s license (commercial or private), preferably with experience flying vintage or warbird aircraft.

• Background in military aviation or participation in heritage flight organizations.

Why Join the Commemorative Air Force?

The Commemorative Air Force operates over 180 vintage aircraft from WWII and beyond, preserving and flying these historic machines to Educate, inspire, honor future generations. As Director of Safety Programs, you will play a crucial role in protecting the legacy of aviation history while ensuring the safety of CAF personnel, volunteers, and the public.

This is a unique opportunity to blend a passion for aviation, operational safety, and leadership in a mission-driven organization dedicated to preserving historic military aviation.