Title:
2026 Aviation Safety Symposium - Metropolitan State University of Denver
Topic:
Explore Aviation Safety Through Human Performance, Leadership, Communication, and Real-World Accident Investigation Insights
Speaker(s):
Colonel Jeff York, Dr. Samantha Weeks, Laurie Freeman, Tom Obarski, Jennifer Rodi
Brief Description:
Explore aviation safety as a system from human performance and communication to leadership, aircraft design, and accident investigation. Hear directly from professionals who operate, train, and investigate in real-world aviation environments.
Featured Speakers
• Colonel Jeff York, USAF (Ret.) - Chief Pilot
• Dr. Samantha Weeks, Colonel, USAF (Ret.) - Second female Thunderbird pilot & first female inverted solo pilot
• Laurie Freeman, PA-C - U.S. Army Aviation Medical Physician Assistant (Aeromedical)
• Professor Thomas Obarski - Air Traffic Control
• Jennifer Rodi - NTSB Investigator
Aviation safety is not about avoiding mistakes, it is about managing risk across an entire system.
The only cost is paid parking on the Auraria Campus next to the Tivoli Student Union.
Select Number:
NM03142399
Location of Seminar:
Tivoli Student Union - Metropolitan State University of Denver
900 Auraria Pkwy
Tivoli Room 320
Denver, CO 80204
Directions to Venue:
The Tivoli Student Union is on the Auraria Campus of MSU Denver. Room number in the Tivoli is third floor - room 320. Paid parking on the Auraria Campus.
Seating:
130
seats at the facility,
129
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Event Schedule
10:00 - 10:10
Opening Remarks - Alpha Eta Rho
Why Aviation Safety Matters Before Your Career Begins
10:10 - 10:40
Aeromedical (Laurie Freeman, PA-C)
The Human Body as the First Safety Limitation
10:40 - 11:10
Air Traffic Control (Prof. Thomas Obarski)
Safety Through Communication and Separation
11:10 - 11:40
Chief Pilot (Col. Jeff York, USAF Ret.)
Judgment, Professionalism, and Career Survival
11:40 - 12:10
High-Performance Military Aviation
(Dr. Samantha Weeks)
Discipline and Risk Management in High-Performance Flight
12:10 - 12:40
Lunch Break / Informal Networking
12:40 - 1:10
MSU Denver Aerobatics Team (Tentative)
Precision, Discipline, and Controlled Risk
1:10 - 1:40
Boeing Representative (TBD)
Safety by Design – Engineering and Risk Mitigation
1:40 - 2:10
NTSB Investigator (Jennifer Rodi)
How Accidents Are Built and Investigated
2:10 - 2:40
Panel Discussion - All Speakers
Safety Is a System, Not a Single Decision
2:40 - 3:00
Student Q&A and Open Discussion
3:00 - 3:10
Closing Remarks
Hosted by: Alpha Eta Rho - Sigma Phi Chapter
College of Aviation & Aerospace Science, MSU Denver
***(Breakfast and lunch provided. Schedule subject to minor adjustments.)
Only cost is paid parking on the Auraria Campus next to the Tivoli Student Union.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 1
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Safety Promotion Outreach for Pilots
Additional Event Documents:
