Flight Director: Robert Ruiz

GLOBAL AVIATION EXECUTIVE | FAA SENIOR LEADER | SAFETY & REGULATORY STRATEGIST

•  Global aviation executive and former FAA senior leader with 25+ years specializing in safety and regulatory strategy. Proven track record in leading large, agile teams across diverse environments to deliver innovative solutions and operational excellence. Expert in regulatory frameworks, international aviation safety, emerging aviation technologies including drones and advanced air mobility, technology integration, and Safety Management Systems.  Fluent in Spanish and experienced in global aviation ecosystems, driving strategic partnerships and safety advancements internationally. Commercial pilot and aerospace engineer with PMP certification, and worked or traveled in 60+ countries. 

FAA Flight Standards Senior Executive Positions

• Executive Director (Acting), AFX-1, Jan 2025–May 2025
• Dep. Executive Dir. AFX-2, Jul 2023–Dec 2024; Sept 2021- March 2022 
• Dir., Office of Safety Standards, AFS-1, March 2022–July 2023
• Dir., General Aviation Safety Assurance, AFG-1, Jan 2020-Sept 2021 
• Dep. Dir., Office of Safety Standards, AFS-2B, June 2019-Jan 2020 
• Dep. Associate Administrator Office of Airports (A), ARP-2 2017

Aviation Safety Oversight • FAA & ICAO Policy • IASA • eVTOL

& UAS Certification • International Civil Aviation Engagement • Safety Management Systems (SMS) • Regulatory Innovation • Crisis & Incident Response • Organizational Transformation • Board & Advisory Roles •
Government Relations • Federal Procurement • Aviation Investment Analysis • International Expertise

SELECT LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS

• Regulatory Innovation – Led development of FAA’s Flight Standards (FS) regulatory framework for drones, powered-lift, and advanced air mobility aircraft, accelerating safe integration into the National Airspace System.
• Organizational Turnaround – Revitalized a 1,100-person FS Safety Standards Organization, transforming culture, improving morale, and restoring credibility within 12 months.
• International Safety Leadership – Directed AVS efforts for ICAO USOAP audit, leading 300-person team that retained FAA’s top-tier global safety ranking.
• Global Negotiator – Represented U.S. at ICAO and in bilateral agreements; secured operational alignment on safety initiatives in multiple States.
• Safety Management Expansion – Finalized 2024 SMS rule extending proactive safety oversight to additional operators, harmonizing with ICAO SARPs.
• Strategic Budget Oversight – Managed $960M budget and 5,300-person workforce, balancing modernization initiatives with core safety assurance.
• Crisis Leadership – Led FAA Flight Standards international response efforts during major incidents, ensuring coordinated communication and compliance with global partners.
• Respected Industry Expert –  Recognized as an innovative former FAA leader who delivers results in high-stakes, high-complexity missions 

Education

• MBA. in Aviation; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering; University of Maryland