“Dr. Bill” Johnson Announces Departure from FAA Executive Scientist Post

William Johnson (Dr. Bill) is leaving the FAA Chief Human Factors Scientist position, effective January 1, 2021. He has been an aviator for over 55 years, earning his Private Pilot Certificate in 1966. In 2020, he was awarded the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic accolade, for 50 years of outstanding contributions to aviation maintenance as a certified mechanic. In 2019, he received the Flight Safety Foundation FSF - Airbus Human Factors in Aviation Safety Award, for lifetime achievement. He is also a recipient of the Sir Francis Whittle Award from the International Federation of Airworthiness.

Maintenance/engineering, human factors, training and research define Dr. Johnson’s contributions to aviation safety since he earned his Ph.D. (University of Illinois, ’80). Through hundreds of technical reports, magazine articles, classes, movies, and speeches Johnson has shown the value of clearly communicated applied research to empower airlines and maintenance organizations throughout the world.

Dr. Bill has diverse experience as a college professor, engineering consultant, MRO training executive, FAA executive scientist, and public speaker, and has also been a long time supporter and conference moderator of Halldale Media's WATS and AAETS events. Johnson will apply that knowledge, experience, and positive attitude to his newly formed consultancy, aptly named 'drbillj.com.' After 1 January 2021, contact Bill at drbillj@drbillj.com.