Expertise
Airworthiness Certification, Computer Resources Policy/Processes, Embedded Computer Systems & Software, Safety Critical Computer Architectures, Vehicle Management Systems, Qualification Testing
Profile
Mr. Dana Springer has over 35 years of US Air Force (USAF) civilian engineering experience supporting embedded computer systems and software development for flight systems and avionics functional areas and integrated system architectures across all aircraft platforms (fighters, bombers, cargo/transport, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)). He has demonstrated organizational and technical leadership across a spectrum of organizations including the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Engineering Directorate (AFLCMC/EN) and the F-22, B-2, and propulsion system program offices (SPOs), as well as extensive experience across the entire spectrum of computer resources policy, processes, and standards for the USAF, Department of Defense (DoD), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the commercial sector. In addition, Mr. Springer possesses specialized expertise in avionics modernization programs (AMP), vehicle management systems (VMS), computer resources systems integration engineering (CRSIE), software analysis and integration, functional/physical configuration audits (FCA/PCA), airworthiness certification, aircraft safety investigation boards (SIB), formal qualification tests (FQT), and engineering education. Led and/or served on multiple research and development (R&D), weapon system, and science and technology (S&T) organization independent reviews.
Significant Career Accomplishments
As technical advisor for AFLCMC/ENAS, conducted numerous risk assessments, independent review teams (IRT) and tailored airworthiness certification criteria (TACC) and modified airworthiness certification criteria (MACC) assessments—signed off on approximately 60 section 15 airworthiness assessments a year.
Responsible for leading Section 15 of MIL-HDBK-516, Airworthiness Certification, for flight readiness reviews of all F-35 variants. Primary author of a F-35 safety validation item focusing on the analysis and testing of the safety interlock design mechanization and completion of safety critical function (SCF) thread analysis.
Led or supported multiple program efforts as technical advisor, including AFLCMC lead on the KC-46 boom control software excessive loads, F-15SA flight control software escape, Global Hawk Block 20/30i OFP configuration release and integrated mission management computer (IMMC) failures, and many more.
Led several IRTs and executive IRTs (EIRTs) for multiple programs, including the F-16 Block 60, C-5 AMP, and V-22 return to flight (RTF).
Served as a critical member of the Nellis Air Force Base F/A-22 crash SIB/Accident Investigation Board.
Instrumental in the establishment of the AFLCMC technical expert for information assurance and anti-tamper.
Contributing author to the Vehicle Control Management System Joint Service Specification Guide (JSSG).
Reduced the F-22 VMS throughput utilization from 138% to 75%. Established a system of core regression process/test suite to expedite safe software to the jet and flight test. Established air vehicle integration team to address all software functionality, operational flight program (OFP) build releases and ensure completed.
Pioneered the use of a “core” test suite of independent test verification cases resulting in cutting software change and verification process timeline by more than 50%, returning fully tested, new software with no additional risks.
Key Positions
Technical Advisor, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Computer Systems and Software (AFLCMC/ENAS)
VMS Technical Expert, Aeronautical Systems Center Engineering Directorate (ASC/ENFT)
Lead, VMS and Air Vehicle Analysis & Integration, Aeronautical Systems Center F-22 SPO (ASC/YFFV)
Group Leader, Computer Resources Group | ASC Engineering Directorate (ASC/ENFZ)
Lead, Computer Resource Engineer for Engines, Subsystems, and Flight Controls, ASC B-2 SPO (ASC/YSEF)
Computer Resource Focal Point for the Propulsion Deputy, Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) Propulsion SPO (ASD/YZEE)
Education
BS, Electrical Engineering, Ohio University
APDP Systems Planning, Research, Development & Engineering (SPRDE) – Level III
APDP Program Systems Engineering (SPRDE-PSE) – Level II and all Level III coursework
Technical Airworthiness Authority (TAA) Endorsement, Section 15, Computer Systems & Software – Level II
