Dan Parsons Email & Phone Number

Brisbane, Qld, Au

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Driving market development supporting the introduction of Wisk’s Gen 6 autonomous air taxi, with a focus on transformative infrastructure-related projects across South East Queensland. In this role, I lead strategic planning and oversee multiple infrastructure initiatives that lay the groundwork for an advanced air mobility ecosystem. A core focus of my work involves active engagement with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, infrastructure proponents, educational institutions, and local communities, to ensure alignment and foster collaboration ahead of entry into service.My leadership spans project delivery, strategic network planning, and operational readiness for urban air mobility, while I also support advancements in ground support operations and aircraft integration. By combining technical expertise with a stakeholder-centric approach, I’m committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and accessible air mobility future for South East Queensland and Australia.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Designed and delivered AVAT12022: Airport Management, an immersive course providing future-focused insights into the complexities of modern airport operations and management. This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary airport concepts—including master planning, demand forecasting, airside and terminal design, operational efficiency, accessibility, and commercial strategy. Leveraging an advanced simulation platform, I enhance learning by offering students hands-on experience with real-world airport scenarios, blending theory with practical application to prepare them for impactful careers in aviation management.

Launched as a platform for airport safety insights and industry tips, this blog has evolved into a dynamic resource for aviation professionals, exploring a range of topics from operational best practices to innovative projects. Over the years, the content has expanded to include tools and resources such as reporting flowcharts, 3D models of Obstacle Limitation Surfaces, and a free iBook on remote airstrip management. With new articles regularly published, the blog continues to serve as a trusted source of industry knowledge, with exciting developments and projects on the horizon.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Led the development, consultation, and dissemination of essential aerodrome regulations, standards, and guidance materials. This role involved crafting and updating foundational regulatory documents, including the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 139, the Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139, and various Advisory Circulars. Key contributions included pioneering work on vertiport and heliport standards and aligning regulatory frameworks with the Global Reporting Format to elevate safety and operational consistency in both traditional and emerging aviation infrastructure.

Online

Assisting States with getting ready to restart aerodrome operators following a full or partial aviation system shutdown due to COVID-19. As part of a full program package offered by ICAO's Technical Cooperation Bureau (TCB), States receive training and technical guidance material as well as SME support, which is my role in the package.

Doha, Qatar

Tasked with regulatory development, aerodrome certification and compliance. Navigating the State of Qatar through the transition to a European-based regulatory framework in a very challenging environment with grand ambitions, strong personalities and significant cultural factors. Achievements include re-drafting the aerodrome regulations suite and project managing the entire regulatory change process including legal drafting, quality control, and community engagement, and preparing for and working through the ICAO audit of the State of Qatar and lifting its AGA Effective Implementation score from 67% to 87%.

Writing on airport safety related subjects on such as wildlife hazard risk management, safety assurance and Australian airport development.

Otago & Southland, New Zealand

Leadership & support to the Queenstown Airport operations team who are tasked with the safe and efficient facilitation of passengers, customers and visitors from kerbside to airside. Our team also ensures ongoing safety & security compliance landside and airside as well as supporting the business whenever operational activities are required - such as in facilitating operations around major works.Major achievements include establishing a passenger facilitation model in support of staff resourcing, developing a strategic operational risk framework and deploying an airport-wide safety & maintenance reporting system.

Otago & Southland, New Zealand

Led a cross-functional project team in the development and establishment of an airport park and ride service for the Queenstown Airport. Due to significant growth and limited land in the vicinity of the terminal, the airport needed a new solution to airport parking constraints. In addition to this, the airport needed to increase airport parking capacity to contribute to the removal of cars parked on nearby State Highway 6 - which had become a significant safety issue.The project required the development of a business model, car park site and operating model. Using a customer-centric view, the park and ride service commenced operation late June 2017 for an initial 12-month trial.

Responsible for ensuring the business's airport operations are carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, risk management standards and contractual obligations.Covers contract management, systems development (including integrated safety management systems), technical advice and guidance and team development and leadership.Also appointed as the business's aviation single point of accountability with responsibility for our aircraft operator safety assurance program.

Leading a diverse team delivering accommodation and transportation services to BMA's functions and operations.Our department is responsible for bookings and contract management at company-owned and third-party villages across multiple towns, the allocation of company-controlled housing in four towns, the management and operation of company-owned villages, the centralised management of our bus services and chartered flights, and the management and operation of the Moranbah Airport and other company-owned aerodromes.

Tasked with the analysis of safety issues as well as the recommendation and implementation of management strategies designed to deal with identified issues. Refined and validated a safety performance assessment tool to be applied to all types of civil aviation authorisation holders.

Responsible for the safety oversight of regulated aerodromes within Queensland. Specific tasks involve entry control and surveillance of certified and registered aerodromes, development of aerodrome safety standards and guidance material, and general education and assistance to CASA Operations staff and aerodrome operators on safety issues.

General consultancy covering aerodrome and airport planning, construction, operation and management. Specific tasks included project management of aerodrome design, specification and construction contracts, aerodrome technical and safety inspections, training of aerodrome staff and various consultancy projects involving research into aerodrome safety, development, operation and business management.

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the AOPA Office and provision of support to the AOPA Board of Directors. Specific tasks included staff supervision and development, financial control and budgeting, preparation of board meeting agendas and minutes, business process development, preparation of research papers, and project management of major events/tasks such as the Annual General Meeting, Board election and annual financial audit.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Wildlife Strike Data Management

Research into airport wildlife hazard event data capture, management and reporting. Confirmation of Candidature received and research is.

Masters Of Aviation Management, Safety Management & Culture

Post-graduate course in aviation management with over half of the course dedicated to research. Course undertaken to extend aviation.

Geomatic Studies, Surveying

Post-graduate course in surveying. Course undertaken to support work requirements and to qualify for CASR 139.320 Approved Person status

Bachelor Of Science, Aviation

Undergraduate course in aviation with a general focus on flying operations. Core courses supplemented with courses on law, management.