Dion W. Johnson Bio

Dion W. Johnson
Vice President, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Hughes Aerospace Corporation
di.johnson@hughesaerospace.com

Mr. Johnson has 18 years major air carrier experience as an airline pilot as well as the primary corporate safety and regulatory compliance director for two airlines; Continental Airlines and its subordinate partner carrier Continental Micronesia in the western Pacific. He was the focal point for developing the both company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and coordinating the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) between these carriers.

As Vice President, Safety & Regulatory Compliance at Hughes Aerospace Corporation, he develops and implements aviation Safety Management Systems and consults on airline compliance, audits and certification issues regarding mandates of the US FAA and Department of Defense as well as international (ICAO) standards.

Mr. Johnson is also a retired USAF Lt. Col. with an extensive background as a fighter pilot, Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Safety Officer School, safety officer, an Inspector General and an air safety investigator of three hull losses and 31serious mishaps. Mr. Johnson is a B737 captain certified in the -300, -500 and all NG types.

A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Mr. Johnson has published numerous aviation safety articles and is the award winning author of Bear Tracks in Indochina, an analysis of Asia-Pacific international affairs.Mr. Johnson also holds a Masters Degree in Systems and Safety Management from the University of Southern California.