Mike Plottel is an experienced senior leader with over 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry. His career as a pilot, manager and executive has spanned government, corporate and airline operations. Since 1995, Mike has specialized in aviation safety, focusing on safety management systems, fatigue risk management, human factors and safety leadership.

Mike has held positions with the British Columbia Government Air Services, Air BC Airlines, Transport Canada, the British Columbia Air Ambulance Service, WestJet Airlines and the Qantas Group. As WestJet’s Director of Safety Services, Mike was responsible for the development and implementation of several major programs including the airline’s Safety Management System, which comprised risk management, quality assurance, investigation, oversight, training and emergency response components. At the Qantas Group, Mike held positions as Head of Safety for Domestic and International operations, Head of Safety for QantasLink Regional Airlines and special advisor to the Qantas Group Safety Transformation Project.

Mike holds a diploma in Aviation Technology from Selkirk College, an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, and a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria. He is based in Calgary, Canada.