Edward Smith
About Edward Smith
Edward Smith is the B717 Training Development Manager at Hawaiian Airlines, specializing in aviation training and operational efficiency. He has extensive experience in flight standards, qualifications, and technical writing across various airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, North American Airlines, and ATA Airlines.
Work at Hawaiian Airlines
Edward Smith currently serves as the B717 Training Development Manager at Hawaiian Airlines, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on developing training programs that enhance pilot proficiency and operational safety. Prior to this position, he worked as an Instructor in Flight Standards and Qualifications at Hawaiian Airlines from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, he contributed to the training and evaluation of pilots, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Previous Experience in Aviation
Before joining Hawaiian Airlines, Edward Smith accumulated extensive experience in the aviation industry. He worked at North American Airlines as a First Officer and Technical Writer from 2006 to 2014. He also held the position of Manager of Standards and Training at Island Air from 2014 to 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Earlier in his career, he served as a First Officer at ATA Airlines from 2003 to 2006, operating out of Chicago Midway Airport. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of airline operations and training.
Education and Expertise
Edward Smith studied Aviation Management at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree from 2001 to 2003. His educational background laid the foundation for his career in aviation, providing him with essential knowledge in management practices and operational standards. He specializes in creating photo-realistic 3D animations of aircraft and systems, which enhances the effectiveness of training materials for pilots.
Achievements in Training Development
Throughout his career, Edward Smith has made significant contributions to aviation training and safety. He developed a method for FAA approval of in-house production of Special PIC Airport Qualification and Familiarization plates, addressing challenges related to weather analysis. He played a key role in redesigning cockpit procedures for Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft, merging separate manual systems into a single reference to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, he created an innovative method for providing 3D perspective range rings to enhance pilot situational awareness.
Problem-Solving Initiatives
Edward Smith has demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in his aviation career. He identified and corrected a flawed engine-out procedure provided by a vendor for a high-altitude mountainous terrain airfield. His unique solution helped maintain the operational viability of the airfield, showcasing his ability to address complex challenges in aviation safety and operations.