David S. Ryan, MS CISM

Assistant Professor
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Executive Director
Robertson Safety Institute
Dept. of Safety Sciences
College of Aviation
 

David S. Ryan joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, College of Aviation, Safety Science Department, Prescott, AZ as an Assistant Professor in January 2022. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Robertson Safety Institute. Before joining the ERAU, Mr. Ryan served as the VP Aviation for MI Aviation Holdings in San Diego, CA from 2008 to 2021, where he was responsible for the operational oversight of a Part 91 flight department with multiple aircraft, personnel, and hangar facilities. In 2009, he was also appointed President/CEO of Crownair Aviation, San Diego, CA, a fixed-base operations company home-based at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Before moving to San Diego, Mr. Ryan served as the Chief Pilot for Bombardier Aerospace / Learjet in Wichita, KS, where he managed the daily worldwide operations of the Bombardier Flight Demonstration Team. During his tenure at Bombardier, Mr. Ryan also served on the flight deck and systems design, development, flight test team for the Challenger 300 and Learjet 60XR programs, served on the Learjet Accident Investigation Team and was one of the founders and developers of the Bombardier Safety Standdown program. Prior to Bombardier, he worked at Cessna Aircraft Company as a Sr. Aircraft Accident Investigator (working 106 field investigations), a corporate/demonstration pilot, and Chief CFI for the Cessna Flying Club.

Mr. Ryan also served as the Chairman of the NBAA Safety Committee (2010-18), serves on the SCAA Board of Directors and the ERAU Athletics Philanthropy Council (Daytona Beach). He also serves on the leadership team as the Prescott affiliate for the ERAU Boeing Center of Aviation and Aerospace Safety. Mr. Ryan holds Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial ASEL/S Instrument rating, multiple type ratings and Flight Instructor certificates. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science-Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mr. Ryan was the recipient of the 2018 Aviation Week and Space Technology Business Aviation Volunteer of the Year Award and 2021 Dr Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award. He is also an ISSP Certified International Safety Manager. Mr. Ryan has spoken at numerous safety seminars and conferences and is very passionate about his role as a safety crusader. He was also the recipient the prestigious Safety Award during our Safety Standdown 2023 event.