Expertise
Flying Qualities/Controls, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Flight Testing, Flight Test Engineering, Requirements Planning, Engineering & Technical Leadership, Airworthiness, Airworthiness Certification, Independent Technical Reviews, Technical Review Teams, Air Vehicle Subsystems Engineering
Profile
Mr. Thomas has over 38 years of technical expertise in air vehicle flight mechanics, with extensive specialization in stability and control (S&C), flying qualities (FQ), and flight controls, with significant experience in internal aerodynamics, external aerodynamics, and flight performance. He was intimately involved in every release of MIL-STD-1797, Flying Qualities of Piloted Aircraft, as well as writing the flying qualities specifications for multiple United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft (F-22, B-21, F-15SA, B-52J). He excels at uncovering technical problems and shortcomings and formulating highly innovative, workable solutions. Mr. Thomas received the “Civilian of the Year” award at every stage of career.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Tri-Service lead for MIL-HDBK-516D Section 6 (Flight Technology) update/rewrite.
Tri-Service lead for MIL-STD-1797C, Flying Qualities of Piloted Aircraft update.
Orchestrated MIL-HDBK-516, Airworthiness Certification Criteria, Flight Technology (Section 6) airworthiness assessments on hundreds of air vehicle modifications and dozens of new-build air vehicles.
Wrote the Flying Qualities Specifications for multiple USAF aircraft (e.g., F-22, B-21, F-15SA, B-52J)
Provided technical accident investigation support to F-22, A-29, U-2, RC-16, C-17 Safety Investigation Boards (SIB). Identified causal factors and recommendations, all of which were approved.
Played critical roles in major programs such as F-15SA, F-16 Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS), Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC), KC-X, B-1B, AC-130J, C-5M, and many others, uncovering flight systems deficiencies, finding solutions resulting in redesigns, and driving policy and technical consensus across government and industry stakeholders.
Led flight mechanics technical review, uncovering safety-critical deficiencies leading to cancellation of B-1B conversion of analog-to-digital flight control system.
Made unprecedented impacts on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program as the only ASC/EN representative championing incorporation of USAF processes on the Flight Clearance Working Group (FCWG), United States Acceptance Working Group (USAWG), International Acceptance Working Group (IAWG), and Certification Working Group (CWG).
USAF lead for developing and coordinating establishment of internationally accepted JSF Policy Directive 39 (PD-39), Flight Clearance Procedure, with major impact on program success.
Received the Engineering Directorate’s “Civilian Engineer of the Year" award at every stage of career.
Key Positions
Technical Advisor, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)/Flight Mechanics Branch (EZFT)
Technical Expert, Stability & Control and Flying Qualities (S&C/FQ), AFLCMC/EZFT
Branch Chief, Aeronautical Systems Center Plans & Programs Branch (ASC/ENOX) (now AFLCMC/ENRX)
Plans and Programs Engineer, ASC/ENOX
S&C/FQ Engineer, Flight Mechanics Branch, ASC/ENFT
Chief Flight Mechanics Engineer, Extended Range Cruise Missile (ERCM) Development System Office, ASC/FBXC
Lead S&C/FQ Engineer, F-22 System Program Office, ASC/YFABU
Education
MS, Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
BS, Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, The Ohio State University
AS, Science, Cuyahoga Community College
AA, Arts, Cuyahoga Community College
