Our Company
We Believe Passion fuels excellence
NIGEL SMITH
SWS’ MANAGING DIRECTOR & HEAD OF DESIGN
Nigel Smith (CEng, MRAeS) is responsible for the Company’s UKCAA approved Design Organisation. With over 30 years’ experience as a Mechanical Engineer, he remains an eminent figure in the aerospace and civil aviation industry.
During his time in the the industry, Nigel has worked for major UK aerospace companies such as Matra-Marconi Space Systems, Martin-Baker Aircraft, M. L. Aviation and Contour Premium Aircraft Seating. He has also held several positions where he has been responsible for overseas programs.
This valued experience has given him a considerable understanding of the industry in which he works and where possible, he endeavours to pass this extensive knowledge and experience onto his colleagues and clients. Nigel also supports Hertfordshire University as a member of their Industry advisory group.
Nigel’s professional achievements reflect his personal passion and drive. He was a key member of the FAA Aviation Regulatory Advisory Committee (ARAC ) responsible for the AC25.562-1b, the now very familiar FAA advisory circular, (a dynamic evaluation of seat restraint systems and occupant protection on transport airplanes). More recently Nigel has been instrumental in pioneering a unique certification approach for Air New Zealand’s SkycouchTM (the application of a new seating design); he has also supported Greenpoint Technologies by working with them to establish an airworthiness approvals route for the new Aeroloft® dealing with UK, European and US organisations.
In his role as company MD and Head of Design, Nigel is frequently invited to speak and advise clients and other organisations on certification and approval issues. Along with fellow SWS Director Phil Williams, he has been invited by EASA to present to regulators, advisors and other DOAs at EASA workshops.
NIGEL SMITH HAS AN EXTENSIVE UP TO DATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE EUROPEAN, AMERICAN, NEW ZEALAND, CANADIAN AND AUSTRALIAN REGULATORY, AIRWORTHINESS, QUALITY AND CONFORMITY REQUIREMENTS.
PHIL WILLIAMS
SWS’ OPERATIONS DIRECTOR & HEAD OF AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Phil Williams is a fully qualified Electrical Engineer with over 28 years’ experience in aerospace and civil aircraft interiors and 7 years’ experience in specialised process control and automation. He has been integral to SWS’s design and development, within the electrical design and installation of overhead passenger and cabin crew rest compartments, aircraft wireless safety systems and emergency service helicopter digital communication systems.
Phil has extensive experience of electrical and electronic parts and appliance environmental and software certification and qualification to meet industry requirements, typically to RTCA & ARINC standards.
Through his experience with Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) design and integration and associated Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations Phil took up the post of ‘acting’ Head of Design for a major UK helicopter company (whilst continuing to hold his position within SWS) to oversee the completion of a full NVIS installation and support the clients NVG operational approvals.
Working closely with the National Aviation (Regulatory) Authority, flight operations and maintenance organisation was an invaluable experience having gained a high level of understanding of the relationship between the organisations and the important roles they play in ensuring safe designs are managed and maintained.
PHIL WILLIAMS HAS ESTABLISHED A ROBUST AND COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS FOR SUPPLIER APPROVAL WITHIN THE COMPANY’S DESIGN & QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM AND HAS PRESENTED THE PROCESS TO EASA AND INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
LET SWS BE YOUR PARTNER IN SAFETY
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