Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a seasoned aviation professional with over 30 years of experience in airline operations, aircraft maintenance, and airside safety. His career reflects a strong foundation in technical expertise, hands-on problem solving, and a consistent commitment to aviation safety and operational integrity. Early in his career, Mark worked for three different airlines as a result of industry mergers. This unique experience provided him with exposure to a wide range of airline operations, including flight operations support, commercial aircraft heavy maintenance, and specialized shop work involving engines, tires, brakes, and accessories. These roles fostered his ability to work effectively within collaborative, high-performance teams in dynamic environments.
Mark later transitioned into independent contracting, taking on a wide variety of heavy overhaul projects for both business jets and commercial aircraft. This phase of his career further broadened his technical scope and deepened his understanding of complex aircraft systems and regulatory standards.
In 2007, he completed his Aircraft Accident Investigation certification through the Southern California Safety Institute (SCSI), with training conducted at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. This achievement aligned with his original career ambition: to work as an Aircraft Accident Investigator.
Over the past 18 years, Mark has contributed to more than 20 aviation incident and accident investigations across the United States, as well as internationally in Europe and Africa. His work in this field has included:
- Protocol development and investigative planning
- Salvaged wreckage reconstruction and examination
- Component removal for laboratory testing and forensic analysis
- Detailed disassembly and microscopic evaluation
- Deposition preparation and courtroom testimony support
- DFDR (Digital Flight Data Recorder) decoding and analysis for legal and investigative use
He has also received advanced training in Crisis Management, Emergency Response Planning (ERP), and Media Communications, through both airline-led programs and SCSI. His technical skills in DFDR decoding have been effectively applied in litigation, depositions, and court proceedings. Currently, Mark serves as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at a major Canadian air carrier, where he is an active member of the Flight Safety Committee for the Maintenance Division. He continues to receive regular training in Airline Human Factors, ramp safety, and seasonal de-icing operations. He holds Aircraft Certification Authority (ACA) credentials on multiple commercial aircraft types and is qualified for engine run-up and taxi operations.
Mark’s investigative expertise spans both in-flight and ground-based events, including high-value damage incidents on airport ramps, within hangars, and during line maintenance. His ability to blend technical knowledge with investigative precision has made him a valuable contributor to aviation safety efforts. He has been a dedicated member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for the past 18 years and remains committed to advancing the field of aviation safety through collaboration, shared learning, and a strong ethical understanding of aviation.