Dave Downey is the new Manager of the Federal Aviation Administration's Rotorcraft Directorate, having been selected in March of this year. Downey officially reported on June 4. He supervises a staff of 116 employees, including offices in Texas and Oklahoma.

In 1995, Downey joined the agency as a Flight Test Pilot working in the Boston Aircraft Certification Office. He previously served in the same capacity for twelve years with the US Army and served as Chief Test Pilot for the Army Aviation Airworthiness Qualification Test Directorate at Edwards AFB, CA. He retired after a 22-year career.

Downey previously served as the Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate. He has been the team leader for the Safety Analysis Team and a team member of the Safer Skies effort. He also led the re-write of the AIR Strategic Plan and is the FAA lead on the RTCA Future Flight Data Recorder effort.

Downey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Technology from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, in 1980. He also earned a Masters Degree from the University of Tennessee Space Institute in 1995. In 1986, he graduated from the US Navy Test Pilot School. He holds FAA Air Transport Pilot ratings in the DHC-8 and DC-3, in addition to helicopter, single/multi-engine seaplane ratings and ground instructor ratings. He has over 4000 accident-free flying hours in over 125 different types of aircraft.

He has participated in numerous international airworthiness conferences and has assisted the National Transportation Board with accident investigations.

Downey and his wife, Diane, reside in Ft. Worth, TX, and they have three sons.

_____