Bruce User
@bruceuser3
Aviation safety and flight operations executive driving FAA compliance and SMS/FOQA programs.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
I’m a Corporate Flight Operations Executive and FAA-certified safety leader with 16+ years of management experience across corporate, government, energy, offshore, emergency medical, utility, and advanced rotorcraft operations. I’m known for translating technical requirements into scalable business controls that strengthen safety culture and operational discipline.
As a Principal Operations Inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, I oversaw certificate management, regulatory surveillance, enforcement, and operational safety across Part 133, 135, 137, and enterprise safety programs. I directed FAA oversight for 60+ certified operators, leveraging deep knowledge of 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 133, 135, 137, and 141 to evaluate consequence flight operations from multiple mission sets.
I led practical, data-informed risk management through the FAA Safety Assurance System and National Work Program—building root cause strategies, human factors evaluation, corrective planning, and proactive assurance. I expedited operational approvals via WebOPSS training, improved OpSpecs and LOA processing efficiency, and supported compliance recovery after fatal accidents and elevated-risk findings.
Earlier, I served as Director of Aviation Safety & Regulatory Compliance for Hilcorp Energy (2023–2026), where I led aviation safety, regulatory compliance, FOQA, SMS implementation, pilot training, and operational risk management for Part 133, 135, and 137 air operations. I also orchestrated the ground-up development of an FAA Part 5 Safety Management System and built a FOQA program with event tracking, pilot retraining protocols, and data-driven safety interventions.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Principal Operations Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration
Jan 2026 - Present (5 months)
Provided ongoing aviation safety governance through certificate oversight, surveillance inspection, training, and risk analysis using FAA assurance systems. Mentored new FAA personnel as an Office Trainer and executed FAA Wings and FAAST Team seminars to support rotorcraft safety and compliance.
Owner & Chief Pilot
Maritime Helicopters
Jan 2013 - Present (13 years 5 months)
Owned and led Part 133/135/137 utility and special mission helicopter operations across Alaska with a focus on compliant, mission-ready aviation safety. Planned and executed 150+ helicopter missions with no accidents and supported U.S. Navy UAS efforts as a Bell 407 test pilot, contributing to MQ-8C flight profile refinements.
Director of Aviation Safety
Hilcorp Energy
Jan 2023 - Jan 2026 (3 years)
Led aviation safety, regulatory compliance, FOQA, and SMS implementation for Part 133, 135, and 137 air operations. Built a ground-up FOQA program and strengthened compliance by aligning pilot training, GOM requirements, OSHA obligations, and role-specific accountability.
Aviation Technical Auditor
Royal Dutch Shell
Jan 2015 - Jan 2024 (9 years)
Delivered aviation technical authority, terminal management, and safety auditing for Shell’s offshore aviation logistics. Directed aviation logistics for a Beaufort offshore drilling program, safely transferring 6,200 contractors across Alaska, and managed passenger terminal operations with zero accidents.
Principal Operations Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration
Jan 2017 - Jan 2023 (6 years)
Served as a federal aviation safety leader overseeing certificate management, regulatory surveillance, and enforcement across Part 133, 135, 137, and enterprise safety programs. Directed FAA oversight for 60+ certified operators and maintained 100% flight capability for the local and national Flight Standards Inspector resource program.
NVG EMS Check Airman
Air Evac Lifeteam
Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)
Supported helicopter air ambulance operations as an EMS pilot and NVG check airman for Bell 206/407. Trained new and recurrent pilots and ensured adherence to regulatory requirements and company SOPs for check airman and instructor duties.
Flight School Operations Lead
Whirleybird Helicopters
Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 (2 years)
Managed flight school operations and served as chief instructor, including FAA Part 141 curriculum development and operational administration. Provided aviation consulting and instruction to support compliant training and safe operations.
Flight School Manager
Wasatch Helicopter Academy
Jan 2007 - Jan 2012 (5 years)
Trained and oversaw 120+ enrolled pilots and managed instructor oversight to support high continuation into professional aviation. Achieved ~90% continuation of students into professional aviation roles.
Part 135 Operator & CFI
Skypark Helicopters
Jan 2007 - Jan 2012 (5 years)
Founded and certified a Part 135 helicopter operation and served as Chief Flight Instructor while holding key operational leadership positions. Led a 15-person aviation organization delivering commercial and client missions, including law enforcement and filming support.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Grantham University
Bachelor’s Degree, Communications, Economics
2018 -
Earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Economics.
Westminster College
Associate Degree, General Studies
2012 -
Earned an Associate degree in General Studies.
Salt Lake Community College
2008 -
Completed studies at Salt Lake Community College in 2008.
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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