Washington, DC, March 5, 2020 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) would like to express our sincere appreciation for the years of partnership with Carol Giles and all the hard work and dedication she has given to the Association. Carol has announced that she will be stepping back from her role as Senior Advisor of Regulatory Affairs (Maintenance) with the Association to focus more on other aspects of her career. Carol has been a regular contributor to the Aviation Business Journal, a speaker at NATA events, and the liaison for NATA’s Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology (AMST) Committee.

One of the AMST Committee’s biggest wins, under Carol’s leadership, was getting the Part 135 Conformity Inspection Check List turned into an Advisory Circular (AC). This AC provided information concerning the placement of aircraft into service for Part 135 commuter and on demand operations. “ There had been a lack of guidance and consistency within the FAA regarding conformity inspections for aircraft operating in Part 135, and it had been a long-standing concern of the NATA membership,” stated Carol Giles. “The AMST Committee had been encouraging the FAA to publish guidance regarding this activity and developed the checklist for the FAA, which was turned into the AC. I am really proud to have been a part of this talented and dedicated group.”

“We will miss Carol’s presence at NATA,” stated NATA President and CEO Tim Obitts. “She has been a constant driving force, helping NATA to represent our members through her wealth of regulatory knowledge, agency experience, and attention to the fine print. We wish her well in her next endeavors.”

Simultaneously, NATA is pleased to announce a new partnership with Keith DeBerry, formerly the Academy Director for the FAA. Keith will be taking over Carol’s responsibilities as the Senior Advisor of Regulatory Affairs (Maintenance) and liaison for NATA’s AMST Committee.

“It has been a pleasure working with Carol over the years. She has a way of making even the most complicated concepts accessible and relatable. She has been, and always will be, a true friend to NATA and the community,” added NATA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs John McGraw. “I look forward to working with Keith DeBerry to continue Carol’s great efforts and help further NATA’s mission to ensure the safety and success of its members. With Keith’s experience and passion for aviation safety and maintenance, I have no doubt that he will be an excellent addition to the NATA team.”

In his previous role, DeBerry led a workforce of over 400 federal employees and hundreds of contractors providing high-quality, cost-effective learning solutions for thousands of aviation students annually. In addition to his role as the Academy Director, DeBerry also led the Regulatory Standards Training Division where he had the responsibility for providing technical training for the FAA’s aviation safety inspectors and engineers. He also managed the Academy’s flight program where he led the development and implementation of the FAA’s first flight program Safety Management System (SMS), utilizing the new Part 5 SMS rule.

In his 22-year federal career, he has had extensive experience leading, directing, and managing aviation safety oversight activities. DeBerry served as the Supervisory Principle Maintenance Inspector for UPS Airlines, where he oversaw a workforce charged with Congressional mandated safety oversight of UPS’ Airlines 300 aircraft fleet.

If you require any regulatory assistance, please reach out to NATA’s industry experts via our Regulatory Support Center. 

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.