Tim Wade - Ensuring Safety at FlexJet - EP.254

Think Like an Owner

Ep.254: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Tim Wade (@Twade889).

In this interview, we dive deep into safety in the aviation industry with Tim, the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at FlexJet. We discuss the current safety landscape, Tim's role, and the importance of a Safety Management System (SMS).

The conversation highlights the transition from the 60s' and 70s' rough aviation safety records to today's hyper-focused safety protocols. Tim sheds light on the sometimes negative perception of safety in the industry and how innovation in communication can change that.

The episode also covers the internal and external challenges faced by safety teams, along with insights on the benchmark against industry standards and the rising importance of technology.

Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.

Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:35) - The state of Aviation Safety

(00:10:09) - Adjusting internal communications

(00:14:24) - Aligning leadership teams with safety

(00:18:46) - Scoring & metrics

(00:21:03) - FAA involvement in safety regulations

(00:22:46) - Software improvements in aviation safety

(00:26:19) - Customer reviews

(00:29:27) - Benchmarking against the competition

(00:32:14) - Tim’s Podcast journey

(00:35:24) - Where safety experts need to be challenged most

(00:36:55) - Learning to “burn your hand on the stove”

Links:

FlexJet

The Safety Wire Podcast on Spotify

The Safety Wire Podcast on Apple

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History