27 August 2013
A new Director has been appointed to the independent body that investigates airprox incidents in UK airspace. Steve Forward, a former Royal Air Force Air Commodore takes over the role at the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) with immediate effect. Jointly funded by the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority, UKAB assesses over 150 airprox incidents annually involving civil, commercial and military aircraft.
Steve takes over the role from Ian Dugmore who leaves to take over as the new head of CHIRP (Confidential Human factors Incident Reporting Programme).
A former Tornado and Harrier pilot, Steve Forward saw active service in the Middle East before assuming tactical operational roles in the region. He was also heavily involved in security planning for the London 2012 Olympics.
Commenting on his new role, Steve, said, “UK civil and military aviation has an excellent safety record, in no small part thanks to the work of organisations like UKAB, which has contributed greatly to the understanding of pilots and air traffic controllers of how airprox incidents occur, and more importantly how to avoid them in future. It is a real pleasure to be able to lead UKAB over the next few years.”
