Expertise
Airworthiness Certification, Pilot Systems, Technical Engineering Management, Human Systems Integration, Independent Technical Reviews
Profile
Ms. Dawn McGarvey-Buchwalder is a former senior US Air Force (USAF) engineer with over 30 years of experience working with every USAF-owned platform across all phases of life-cycle acquisition, ultimately culminating in assignment as branch chief for the USAF Airworthiness Office. She is nationally recognized for her specialized expertise in airworthiness, systems engineering, human systems integration (HSI), and crew systems. Throughout her career, she partnered extensively with the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps engineering, logistic, and research organizations and collaborated with national and international militaries, governments, and commercial offices to enhance relationships and data exchange and optimize the delivered products for the user.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Led the world-wide recognized USAF Airworthiness Office, the centralized point for air systems, contractors, and users to obtain a flight authorization from the technical airworthiness authority (TAA).
Brought over 150 air systems under the current airworthiness policy, issued MIL-HDBK-516C, audited all chief engineers, endorsed subject matter experts, evaluated foreign airworthiness authorities for US equivalency, assessed public aircraft operations/systems, and provided training to execute.
Led development and qualification of pilot and maintainer-centric hardware/software for the USAF.
Led numerous executive independent review teams (EIRTs), notably F-35 verification and documentation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) noise assessment, and decontamination of foot and mouth virus.
Key Positions
Branch Chief/Technical Advisor, USAF Airworthiness Office, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Engineering Directorate (AFLCMC/EN)
Chief, Flight Systems Engineering, Pilot Systems Lead, F-35 Program Office
Lead for Life Support Systems (LSS) and Pilot Flight Equipment (PFE), F-35 Program Office
Education
MS, Computer Science, University of Dayton
BS, Chemical Engineering, University of Dayton
Air War College
