Aviation Human Factors

David R. Hunter, Ph.D.

Resume

SUMMARY:

Currently a consultant at a major technical and management consulting firm, Dr. Hunter holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Quantitative Research Methods) with over 30 years of experience in applied psychology. He is experienced with research design, statistical analysis, survey methodology, test development, engineering psychology, training development, and systems development. Extensive project and team management experience, interfacing with customers, developing program plans and budgets, and ensuring high quality deliverables in both military and civilian settings.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Prior to his retirement from government service in 2004, Dr. Hunter was the Principal Scientist for Human Performance in the Office of Aerospace Medicine, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC.

Some of his accomplishments while at the FAA included:

Chaired joint FAA-industry team to improve pilot decision-making and reduce general aviation accidents.
Managed multi-year research effort to improve general aviation safety through application of human factors research and concepts.
Established and managed grants and contracts to support research goals.
Led research team that developed an extensive suite of training products to improve safety of civilian pilots.
Assisted foreign aviation authorities in customizing training products – now adopted by all English-speaking nations.
Conducted nationwide surveys of pilots and maintainers to assess customer satisfaction and develop safety program marketing strategies.
Developed courseware and presented training at pilot Safety Seminars.
Developed prototype web site to disseminate new training products to pilots.
Conducted in-house research program to identify factors associated with accident risk for pilots

His previous government service included five years as an Engineering Research Psychologist at the US Army Research Institute, St. Louis, MO. While at ARI, he advised major Army command on human factors issues in multiple new aircraft system development efforts. In addition, Dr. Hunter has served as a Personnel Research Psychologist for the US Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, San Antonio, TX. In that position, he developed a battery of computer-based tests for selection of US Air Force pilots and established and managed computer-based laboratory for psychological testing . In addition, he served as distinguished visiting scientist on two-year exchange to the Royal Air Force, where he developed computer-based system for RAF pilot and aircraft controller selection.

ACADEMIC/TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

Adjunct Faculty.

American School of Professional Psychology, Arlington, VA. 2002 – present. Course: Research Design and Statistical Methods (Graduate level).

Columbia College, St. Louis, MO. 1986 -1988. Course: Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Undergraduate level).

Short Courses.

University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway. May 2003. Course: Aviation Psychology (Undergraduate level).

Flight Instructor,

US Army Primary Helicopter Center, Ft. Wolters, TX, 1969-1971. Courses: Primary and basic helicopter flight instruction.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

Member, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Member, European Association for Aviation Psychology
Consulting Editor, The International Journal of Aviation Psychology.