Education
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the and a Master of Aeronautical Science (with Distinction) from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, specializing in Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems and Human Factors Aviation Systems.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the and a Master of Aeronautical Science (with Distinction) from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, specializing in Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems and Human Factors Aviation Systems.
In November 2011, President Barack Obama reappointed Sumwalt to an additional five-year term. His term of office as a board member will run until December 31, 2016. Since joining the board, he has been a fierce advocate for improving safety in all modes of transportation, including teen-driver safety, impaired driving, distractions in transportation, and several rail-safety initiatives.
Prior to coming to the board, Sumwalt was a pilot for 32 years, including 24 years as an airline pilot with Piedmont Airlines and United States Airways.
After his airline career, he joined SCANA, a Fortune 500 energy company, where he managed its corporate aviation department. He logged over 14,000 flight hours and earned type ratings in five aircraft.
Sumwalt worked on special assignment to the United States Airways Flight Safety Department where he was involved in the development of numerous airline-safety programs. He served on the United States Airways Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) Monitoring Team.
Sumwalt served as an air safety representative for Air Lincolnshire Pilots Association (ALPA) for 17 years where he chaired ALPA"s Human Factors and Training Group.
From 1991 to 1999, Sumwalt conducted aviation-safety research as a consultant to National Aeronautics and Space Administration"s Aviation Safety Reporting System, where he studied flight-crew human factors. Sumwalt co-authored a book on aircraft accidents and he wrote chapters pertaining to aircraft accident investigation in two books He has written extensively on aviation-safety matters, having published over 90 articles and papers.
In 2003, Sumwalt joined the faculty of the University of Southern California"s Aviation Safety and Security Program, where he was the primary human-factors instructor.
He was sworn in as the 37th member of the National Transportation Safety Board in August 2006, whereupon President George West. Bush designated him as vice chairman of the board for a two-year term.
