gray and white airplane on flight near clear blue sky

Bridging Aviation Operations and Cybersecurity

I help airports and aviation professionals navigate the intersection of cybersecurity, operational technology, and regulatory requirements.

My Background

Aviation Systems Expertise:

28 years with the FAA in engineering & technical roles

Extensive experience in aviation technical systems, including:

  • Navigation aids (ILS, VOR, DME) - Part 171 systems

  • Airport certification and operations - Part 139

  • Obstruction evaluation and marking - Part 77

  • FAA regulatory frameworks and compliance processes

I understand how these systems work, their operational constraints, and safety requirements, thanks to my years of hands-on experience in the field.

Cybersecurity Specialization:

Focus on operational technology (OT) cybersecurity - systems that control physical processes and maintain 24/7 availability requirements unique to aviation:

  • OT/IT network architecture and segmentation

  • SCADA and industrial control system security

  • Access control for operational systems

  • Patch management for systems that can't go offline

  • Incident response for safety-critical infrastructure

Regulatory Understanding:

Deep knowledge of:

  • FAA Safety Management System frameworks

  • FAA grants cybersecurity readiness requirements

  • TSA cybersecurity requirements for aviation

  • Practical implementation in resource-constrained environments

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Why Aviation Cybersecurity Requires Specialized Expertise

The Problem:

Generic cybersecurity consultants don't understand:

  • Why can't you "just take airfield lighting offline to patch"

  • How SMS hazard identification processes work

  • The difference between safety-critical and business systems

  • Federal/non-federal navigation aid interface complexity

  • 24/7 operational requirements and safety constraints

Aviation consultants don't have:

  • Deep cybersecurity expertise for OT systems

  • Understanding of TSA cybersecurity requirements

  • Knowledge of network segmentation and access control

  • Incident response planning for cyber threats

The Gap:

Airports are caught between generic IT security advice that fails to respect operational realities and aviation consultants who lack cybersecurity expertise.

The Solution:

Someone who understands both worlds deeply and can bridge operations and security effectively.

What I Provide

Education: Covering FAA grant readiness, SMS cyber integration, aviation OT security, and TSA requirements.

Cybersecurity Services:

  • FAA grant readiness documentation

  • SMS cyber risk integration guidance

  • Airport OT network security

  • Navigation aid infrastructure cybersecurity

  • TSA cybersecurity implementation support

  • Assessment and advisory services

What I Don't Provide: FAA regulatory compliance consulting, certification support, or regulatory interpretation. For compliance questions, consult appropriate authorities.

Why This Boundary: I focus on cybersecurity - protecting digital systems from threats. TSA cybersecurity requirements and SMS cyber integration are within scope. FAA certification compliance is not.

My Approach

Education First Build capability through comprehensive free training. Knowledge empowers better decisions whether or not you engage services.

Practical Over Perfect Pragmatic improvements within your constraints, not theoretical perfection that can't be implemented or maintained.

Aviation Operations Understanding Solutions that work with 24/7 requirements and safety considerations, never compromising operational integrity.

Transparent and Honest Clear about what I know and don't know. Recommend alternative approaches when appropriate. Focus on what actually helps, not just what generates revenue.

Supporting Every Aviation Professional

Airport Ground Systems Technicians: You keep airports operational 24/7. We provide the technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and career development resources you need to excel in your critical role.

Airport Management & Operations: You balance safety, compliance, and efficiency on a daily basis. We offer the regulatory expertise, operational insights, and strategic guidance to help you make confident decisions.

Equipment Vendors & Service Providers: You develop solutions for aviation challenges. We connect you with the professionals who need your innovations while providing market insights and compliance expertise.

Connect With Me

🔍 Free Assessment - Identify your airport's cybersecurity gaps in 10 minutes

Want to Discuss Your Cybersecurity Challenges?

📅 Schedule a Consultation - 30-minute call to discuss your specific needs

Stay Updated:

📧 Newsletter - Monthly insights on aviation cybersecurity