The Safety and Risk Analysis discipline focuses on the expansion of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in industry, expanding system safety during design into a lifecycle of safety management and compliance. This discipline helps to evaluate and evolve approaches to safety management that address aviation safety hazards and risks. This discipline may engage in activities related to the various aviation segments and sectors, including flight operations, equipment, maintenance, and the environment. This discipline also focuses on coordinating with subject matter experts to assist in their understanding of the safety risks related to their disciplines.

The Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor (CSTA) for Safety and Risk Analysis is responsible for promoting an understanding and appropriate use of safety management system tools and methods, with a focus on safety hazard and risk analyses. This CSTA works with safety teams within the FAA, academia, and industry to identify existing and emergent hazards, assist in the development of mitigations against those hazards, and provide the technical expertise to assure understanding of safety hazards and risks. This CSTA also focuses on evolving workforce capabilities with safety and risk analysis.  

Michael Bartron is FAA's Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Safety and Risk Analysis. Mr. Bartron can be contacted at michael.s.bartron@faa.gov.