Mike Gillen is the Senior Manager Fleet Standards of the Boeing 737 for a global, U.S. based airline.   

Mike's wealth of academic study and professional experience make him a true leader of global airline safety.  By age 30 he was the Lead Instructor Pilot of the B777 for his airline.  He has subsequently undertaken the professional roles of: Check Airman Captain, New Hire Pilot Program Manager, Command Development Program Manager, Project Manager of Corporate Safety Integration of merged airlines, and Management Representative for ASAP programs.  He has earned both Masters of Science, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science with focus on degradation of pilot skills, and the effects of startle training on pilots.   

In this conversation we discuss: Startle training and effects, airline safety in general, attitudes for successful training events, staying proficient, hand-flying the 737, Mike's career path, and what makes a good pilot.   

I'm grateful for Mike sharing his perspectives in this conversation.