Beijing, China, November 3, 2009 — In recognition of a lifetime of service to the cause of aviation safety and years of work with the Flight Safety Foundation, the Foundation presented Akrivos Tsolakis with a Lifetime Membership today at the International Air Safety Seminar in Beijing, China.
Mr. Tsolakis’ distinguished career, beginning as a military pilot in the Korean War and continuing as an airline captain and instructor pilot, led to roles at the highest level of risk management. His 25 years with Olympic Airways included a period as the airline’s manager of aviation and ground safety, where he initiated significant practices such as crew resource management and a hazard-reporting system.
In addition to his long chairmanship of the Hellenic Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board, Capt. Tsolakis has organized numerous international and regional aviation safety conferences, workshops and classes.
His experience and expertise have greatly benefited the Foundation. Capt. Tsolakis has been chairman of Flight Safety Foundation–Southeastern Europe, Hellas; a member of the FSF Board of Governors; and a member of the FSF European Advisory Committee. He has hosted two FSF International Air Safety Seminars and a European Aviation Safety Seminar in Athens.
“We created this new category of membership to honor individuals who have dedicated their lives to the highest pursuit of aviation safety,” noted FSF President and Chief Executive Officer William R. Voss. “The Foundation is grateful to the ongoing work and support of Captain Tsolakis and this award is just one small way we can demonstrate that gratitude.”
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Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, auditing, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety and the prevention of accidents. www.flightsafety.org
Contact: Emily McGee, Director of Communications, 1-703-739-6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org