Robert L. Sumwalt (academic)

Robert L. Sumwalt III is an American academic known for his expertise in aviation safety and his tenure as a public servant. He served as a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for over 15 years, including serving as its chairman from 2017 to 2021.

Prior to his government service, Sumwalt spent 32 years as a pilot for US Airways, accumulating over 14,000 flight hours. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with numerous type ratings.

Beyond his piloting career and role at the NTSB, Sumwalt has been actively involved in aviation education. He has held positions as an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, teaching courses in aviation safety and accident investigation. His academic contributions extend to authoring and co-authoring numerous articles and publications on aviation safety topics.

Sumwalt is a frequent speaker at aviation conferences and industry events, sharing his insights and experiences on safety issues. His work often emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating aviation hazards.