ACSF Deeply Saddened by Passing of Aviation Safety Expert, Russ Lawton 

Washington, DC, January 16, 2023 –The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Russ Lawton, who held key roles within aviation safety organizations for more than 40 years, including most recently as the Foundation’s Vice President of Operations. After a prolonged illness, he died on January 14th at the age of 70.

“It would be difficult to overstate the significance of Russ Lawton in the development of aviation safety programs for on-demand charter operators and corporate flight departments,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “A true gentleman and beloved industry colleague, Russ was respected for his vision, leadership, integrity, knowledge and strong advocacy for our aviation safety community.”

The ACSF’s first full-time employee, Lawton joined the Foundation in 2006 as the Director of Safety Management, charged with developing the first Industry Audit Standard (IAS) for air charter and fractional operators. In this capacity, he created the standards by which third-party auditors would use to accredit member organizations. The IAS was, and continues to be, the most stringent, robust aviation safety standard available for Part 91 and 135 operators.

During Lawton’s tenure from 2006 to 2022, the ACSF grew its membership from zero to more than 300 companies. He also helped to develop and facilitate the highly respected ACSF Safety Symposium, drawing hundreds of aviation safety experts annually. And one of his most significant accomplishments was founding the ACSF’s Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ASAP allows smaller aircraft operators a safety-reporting program that tracks potential issues without fear of enforcement.

For more than 40 years, Lawton shared his aviation safety expertise in various volunteer capacities. The FAA selected him to serve on its aviation rulemaking committee, tasked with developing Safety Management System (SMS) requirements for air carriers, repair stations and others. He was a member of the ASIAS General Issues and Analysis team, and was previously responsible for developing and implementing SMS programs for member companies of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). And, for more than 15 years, he was an active member of the National Business Aviation Association’s Safety Committee. Additionally, he has contributed as an editorial consultant to the Flight Safety Foundation and served as Editor-in-Chief of the “IFR Refresher” magazine.

Prior to joining the ACSF, Russ was the Director of Operations for Wyvern Consulting, in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he was the company’s lead safety auditor. He was in the first group of accredited auditors for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO).

From 1987 to 2000, Lawton was an Analyst and Consultant for Events Analysis Inc. & Advanced Aviation Concepts where he assisted the National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB) and the FAA on various safety initiatives. For 11 years prior, he served as Vice President of Operations for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and its AOPA Air Safety Foundation based in Frederick, Maryland.

Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Russ earned a master’s degree in safety from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s in air commerce from the Florida Institute of Technology. In 2022, he was the recipient of the prestigious Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award from the Flight Safety Foundation for his outstanding service and contributions to corporate aviation safety.

Lawton is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sherry Marshall, his step-daughter, Cara Marshall of Savannah, Georgia, and two grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the Lawton family has asked that donations be made to the Air Charter Safety Foundation, 1800 M St NW Suite 400S, Washington, DC 20036. Details regarding a scholarship in Russ Lawton’s name will be forthcoming.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. Eastern with a reception to follow.

St. Andrews Lutheran Church

15300 New Hampshire Ave

Silver Springs, MD

About the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) 

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF.aero) is a non-profit organization with more than 350+ member companies. Its mission is to lead and support the advancement of the highest safety standards available; to enable the business, charter and fractional ownership industry to offer the safest air transportation products in the world; and to provide objective information about these standards and services to the public.

In accordance with its mission, the ACSF developed the Industry Audit Standard (IAS) for Part 135 and 91K operators, which serves as a detailed gap analysis of an operator’s management practices. ACSF members can also access the organization’s low-cost Safety Management System (SMS) Tool and Member Assistance Program (MAP), as well as take advantage of its third-party oversight programs: Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). Each spring, the organization hosts its annual ACSF Safety Symposium.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Debi Carpenter
Executive Director
Air Charter Safety Foundation
dcarpenter@acsf.aero
tel: (760) 390-7386

 

Go Rentals Discount

Go Rentals shall provide the following rates for vehicle reservations to agents, employees and members of

  • ACSF Toyota Corolla: $64.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Camry: $74.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Rav4: $92.49 Daily Rate

Go Rentals’ standard rates shall apply to reservations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

Go Rentals shall provide the clients and customers of ACSF (collectively, “Clients”) a 20% discount for vehicle reservations applied against the daily rate in effect at the time of reservation.

MedAire Benefit

Ensure comprehensive safety and support with MedAire’s industry-leading solutions, expertly tailored for Business Aviation. As a valued member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, you are eligible for an exceptional 20% discount on the first-year retail price of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

Why MedAire360?

MedAire360 stands at the forefront of aviation risk management and resilience. The program integrates advanced medical, security, and operational support, meticulously developed through nearly 40 years of industry insights, real-world experience, and technological innovation. MedAire360 ensures each flight is safeguarded with proactive risk mitigation, cutting-edge medical diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive safety training resources. 

Key Benefits:

  1. Discount: 20% off the retail price per aircraft tail. 
  2. Eligibility: Available to new customers only. 
  3. Duration: Discount applies to the first year of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

How to Redeem:

ACSF members can take advantage of this exclusive offer by presenting proof of current ACSF membership to the MedAire sales team during the enrolment process. 

Why Choose MedAire?

For nearly four decades, MedAire has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of aviation safety and security. The MedAire360 Assistance Membership is designed to integrate top-tier medical and security assistance, rigorous crew training, and state-of-the-art medical kits for onboard health and safety. The membership provides 24/7 access to aviation medical and security specialists, VIP medical support at destination points, and seamless coordination for essential services worldwide. 

MedAire’s services are crucial in mitigating travel risks and ensuring the highest safety standards. Whether the need is for pre-trip risk assessments, in-flight medical guidance, or emergency support, MedAire360 delivers unmatched expertise and personalised care at every step.