“It takes leadership to improve safety.” — Jackie Stewart
AVISU's mission is simple. We support our customers' innovation by identifying, developing and delivering the safest solutions for the air traffic challenges of today, while preparing for the future concepts and developments shaping the airport industry.
AVISU establishes an integrated and confidential partnership with our customers to ensure their business mission and objectives are met at every stage of the improvement lifecycle. Through well-established, clear and transparent communication channels and guaranteed on-time delivery, AVISU provides a robust and cost-effective service where safety is always the primary focus.
We achieve all mission objectives through a balanced understanding of the financial pressures and increasing competition found in the aviation industry, meeting the challenge to deliver safety, operational and environmental efficiency gains through innovative thinking.
Our Team
Stephen O'Flynn
Stephen has over 20 years' experience in the aviation industry, including posts as an operational Air Traffic Controller and Operational Manager. Prior to that he enjoyed a business background in banking.
Stephen has led many international expert teams covering major global programmes and projects, from European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification to EUROCONTROL/ICAO generic surveillance standards for both surface (e.g. Aerodrome Control Services using A-SMGCS) and airborne (e.g. AREA and Approach) applications. He also provides expert global advice and strategy for airborne Free Route operations in core Europe, as well as airport airside operational efficiency and safety, including training on ATC operational topics.
He holds a degree in Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in International Law, an Aviation Diploma and a Practitioner Certificate in PRINCE2 project management.
Robert Tod
Between 1973 and 2001 Robert was an operational controller working for National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in the UK. Between 2001 and 2011 he was employed by Serco, latterly as Director Air Traffic Services at Dubai International Airport. From 2011 to 2013 he worked with IATA as Regional Director Safety, Operations and Infrastructure.
As an Air Traffic Controller, Robert held validated ATC licences in Area/Area Radar Control, Aerodrome Control and Approach/Approach Radar. He worked at the London Air Traffic Control Centre at West Drayton, the Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick, Aberdeen Airport and Dubai International Airport.
With over 45 years' experience, Robert specialises in Air Traffic Management, providing expertise in regulatory compliance to international standards and regulations, airport infrastructure with an emphasis on Air Traffic Management, future ATM concepts and safety management.
Bengt Collin
Bengt has over 40 years' experience in the Air Traffic Management industry. This includes over 29 years as an Operational Tower and Approach ATCO at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, as well as four years as Operational Tower Manager.
Bengt worked at EUROCONTROL Headquarters for 10 years in the Airport and Safety Unit, where he was a key leader in A-SMGCS and Runway Safety development from the very beginning of those activities.
Bengt has continued to support EUROCONTROL, as well as global ATM suppliers and service providers, in recent years in the update of A-SMGCS requirements and procedures. As part of this he has surveyed many internationally leading airports for operational performance and safety improvements.
Dean Baker
Dean Baker has over 37 years' ATC experience with Transport Canada and NAV CANADA. He has worked as an Air Traffic Controller for the High Enroute sector at Gander Area Control Centre, along with Low Enroute including Terminal, as an Oceanic Controller over the North Atlantic, and has been an Operational Supervisor.
Dean became a Manager within NAV CANADA in 2011 and has represented Canada on the ICAO Technical Interoperability Group. He has been a NAMEUR representative for Gander, was support for the ICAO Separation and Airspace Safety Panel during the approval process of Space-Based ADS-B separations, and has extensive experience collaborating with UK NATS.
Dean retired from NAV CANADA as Manager ATC Operational Requirements (MATCOR), which included Manager of Operational System Requirements for the oceanic system used by NAV CANADA and UK NATS (GAATS+). He received a Chairman's Award from NAV CANADA in 2018 for Team Performance and was the Project Manager who oversaw the implementation of Space-Based ADS-B for Gander Area Control Centre in March 2019.
Stuart Mackrell
Stuart started his career as an apprentice aircraft fitter (airframes/engines) at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough (1984–1988). Following this he worked across the UK and Europe before becoming a certifying line engineer at London Heathrow for seven years with KLM, holding an EASA Part-66 B1 licence with multiple aircraft types.
In 2008 he commenced work in aircraft test, initially as a trials officer conducting independent technical evaluation of Typhoon flight control and landing gear systems, before transferring to safety engineering (rotary wing) in 2010. Since then Stuart has continued to work in various safety engineering capacities, gaining experience as an Independent Safety Auditor and safety case author, mainly on military air domain projects with some exposure to land and maritime systems.
Stuart has developed the safety cases for a number of novel projects, including Aireon's Space-Based ADS-B and Airbus Zephyr, a solar-electric high-altitude long-endurance UAV. He holds a bachelor's degree in Aircraft Engineering, a master's in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) and is a Chartered Engineer.
Brent Day
Brent Day has been involved in ATC and ATM for nearly 40 years. During his ATC career he achieved endorsements in all ATC disciplines and has managed Aerodrome ATC and Operations facilities, with responsibility for all ATC and operational matters, including environmental issues, noise abatement and airfield/facility licensing requirements, and the training, licensing and development of ATC, operations and Airfield Emergency Service personnel.
He has extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of optimal efficiency operations throughout the UK and globally, covering all aspects of implementation, including regulatory, safety and facilitation requirements (phraseology, publication, design, etc.).
His experience includes managing TMA/en-route re-development encompassing the trialling and implementation of optimal efficiency operations, and airspace and procedure design with associated flight validation, environmental consultation processes and airspace change proposals. He has been instrumental in facilitating the implementation of GNSS operations for fixed-wing, rotary and drones throughout Europe.
Richard Powell
Richard has an engineering background and extensive experience in leading safety-critical projects to develop complex, technology-based systems. Richard's expertise in programme management and knowledge of Air Traffic Control is excellent. He has undertaken high-profile programmes with a number of leading ATM organisations.
His key skill is managing teams using modern tools and methods across disciplines and cultures. Richard has worked with NATS, EUROCONTROL, DSNA, DFS, AEROTHAI, ATNS and DANS, and many other leading international organisations, applying his expertise to the strategy and delivery of programmes and projects at key stages of their development. Major successes include the delivery of aviation (ATC/pilot) simulation products and projects, Air Traffic Control operational projects and future aviation management research programmes (SESAR).