Robert Nicholson

Last update: December 2007

Professional Summary

Robert Nicholson joined International Safety Research (ISR) Inc. as an associate in 2005. His extensive aviation background includes pilot and safety management experience both in the Canadian Forces and in Transport Canada Civil Aviation. His initial military postings were as a pilot on: 423 CF-100 All Weather Squadron based in Grostenquin, France; 417 CF-104 Training Squadron based at Cold Lake, Alberta; and 439 Fighter/Recce Squadron based in Lahr, Germany. As he progressed in rank, his responsibilities included: Deputy Commanding Officer of 435 Heavy Transport (C-130 Hercules) Squadron; Air Operations Advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations; Project Manager for the Canadian Forces Remote Sensing Program; Commanding Officer of 440 Transport and Rescue Squadron; Director of Canada’s national search and rescue program; and Canadian Forces Chief Air Accident Investigator. He is a graduate of the Royal Air Force Command and Staff College, Bracknell, England.

In 1988, Robert joined Transport Canada as the Supervisor of Airport Certification Standards. He held that position until 1991 when he joined the newly formed Evaluation Branch in the Directorate of System Safety. In 1997 he joined Transport Canada’s Foreign Inspection Division as an air carrier inspector, responsible for the inspection, certification and continuing safety oversight of foreign air operators conducting commercial air transport operations to and from Canada.