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Creation Date
2018
Bio
Dr. Ruth Stilwell is currently serving as a visiting scholar to the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, working on the research project “Integrating New Entrants in Space Operations and Unmanned Aircraft in Civil Airspace above 60,000 feet”. She is the Executive Director of Aerospace Policy Solutions LLC, adjunct faculty at Norwich University, and one of the world’s leading authorities on integrated space and aviation policy and governance.
A 25-year air traffic controller, experienced labor leader and policy expert, Dr. Stilwell is also an accomplished researcher and lecturer. Her numerous publications and presentations, which cover a wide range of space and aviation, public safety, human factors, administration, financing, and industry reform topics, have influenced key U.S. legislation and in many cases been required reading for administration officials. Dr. Stilwell’s specific areas of expertise include: integrating commercial space operations in civil airspace; projecting air traffic controller retirement and staffing requirements; FAA funding and financing structures; and international aviation and space policy.
Dr. Stilwell served from 2010-2015 as the industry expert representing air traffic controllers on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Navigation Commission. Her air traffic control experience includes 25 years of operational duty at the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center, two years as liaison to the FAA Requirements Service, and six years as Executive Vice President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
The founding chairperson of the Air Traffic Services Committee of the International Transport Workers Federation, a position she held for four years, Dr. Stilwell currently serves on the Technical Committee on Human Spaceflight Safety of the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety, and was a contributing author to the McGill University sponsored, “Global Space Governance: an International Study.”
