Washington, DC March 18, 2025 – The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is honored to welcome Timothy “Tim” Lilley, a decorated U.S. Army aviation veteran and father of Samuel Lilley, First Officer on American Airlines Flight 5342, tragically lost in a midair collision over the Potomac River in January 2025, as a featured speaker at the 2025 ACSF Safety Symposium.
With over 20 years of experience as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, charter pilot, maintenance test pilot, and 15 years as an EMS helicopter pilot, Lilley brings a wealth of firsthand aviation expertise to the discussion on risk mitigation, ATC system modernization, and data-driven safety improvements. His speech will emphasize the importance of learning from past incidents to prevent future tragedies, touching on critical issues such as ATC staffing challenges, military and FAA data sharing, and the need for increased accountability in risk management.
“This is one of the most important presentations we’ve ever had for the ACSF Safety Symposium, and we are deeply grateful to Tim Lilley for sharing his story and expertise at this year’s Safety Symposium,” said Bryan Burns, ACSF President & CEO. “His experience, both personal and professional, offers invaluable insight into how we can improve aviation safety through modernization, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. His message is one that all aviation professionals need to hear.”
The ACSF Safety Symposium will take place April 7-9 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, and safety advocates to discuss the most pressing issues in aviation safety.
