CHANGES TO THE CAA EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
STRUCTURE
14
September 1999
The CAA has
introduced some changes to its executive management level. These changes are
reflective of the authority’s ongoing efforts to promote excellence in aviation
safety.
The changes
have resulted in Brian
Wilford being appointed to the newly created position of general manager – aviation safety
promotion. Victoria Buxton, previously manager – strategic
planning has taken over as general
manager – air safety operations.
The
restructuring of the executive management level came about as the CAA
identified the need to develop an aviation safety plan aimed at preventing
accidents through the promotion of safety. This is in line with the
establishment of ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety Plan.
The general
manager – aviation safety promotion, is responsible for the development,
co-ordination and implementation of the safety plan. This involves targeting
known and anticipated threats to aviation safety and formulating the relevant
prevention and safety promotion strategy. He is also required to co-ordinate
the Accidents and Incidents Investigation unit and to develop, analyse and publish aviation safety trends.
Brian
Wilford began his career in aviation safety with the SA Air Force where he
remained until 1997. One of his roles while in the SA Air Force was that of
senior staff officer flying efficiency. In this role he was responsible for
accidents and incidents investigation and the accident prevention programme. He was awarded the Southern Cross Medal for
services of a high order in aviation safety while still in the SA Air Force. In
1997, he was seconded to the then Chief Directorate – Civil Aviation Authority
within the Department of Transport as director for aviation safety before joining
the new Civil Aviation Authority in 1998.
Victoria
Buxton, in her position as general manager – air safety operations, has
responsibility for operational matters such as personnel and aircraft. She has
line authority over the heads of departments for aviation personnel licensing
and examinations, engineering and flight operations and oversees safety
oversight programmes co-ordinated
by the project managers for aviation personnel safety and aircraft safety
oversight. As part of her executive functions, she is also responsible for the
analysis of the aviation environment, both domestic and international and for
developing strategies to address critical areas of operation within the CAA.
Victoria has
extensive experience in the aviation field gained in the UK where she worked as
a private and commercial pilot instructor, deputy chief pilot and chief flying
instructor. She has also worked for the UK CAA as a flight examiner and has a
Masters degree in Business Administration. She was appointed Vice President -
Business Development and Marketing for the British Aerospace Flying College.
She relocated to South Africa where she established Jet Time and opened her
consultancy, Horizons Unlimited, prior to joining the South African CAA.