Russ Lawton, who played an instrumental role in the development of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and programs such as the organization’s Aviation Safety Action Plan (ASAP), died on January 14 after a prolonged illness. He was 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.”
Most recently v-p of operations for ACSF, Lawton was the organization’s first employee, joining in 2006 as director of safety management. In that role, he developed the Industry Audit Standard for air charter and fractional operators.
Lawton also formed a strong partnership with the FAA to bring ASAP—a key safety program that had been in place for scheduled airlines—to Part 91 and 135 operations. More than 220 such organizations now participate in ASAP. During his tenure with ACSF, the organization grew to encompass nearly 300 member companies and has drawn hundreds of safety officials to its ACSF Safety Symposium.
Lawton’s tenure with ACSF capped off a 40-year safety career in which he served on an aviation rulemaking committee to develop safety management system (SMS) requirements, was a member of the FAA ASIAS General Issues and Analysis Team, and was an active participant in NBAA’s Safety Committee.
He helped develop SMS for National Air Transportation Association (NATA) member companies, was an editorial consultant to the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), and served as editor-in-chief of IFR Refresher magazine.
Before joining ACSF, he was director of operations for Wyvern Consulting and also served as an analyst and consultant for Events Analysis & Advanced Aviation Concepts, assisting the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA on safety initiatives. Lawton further served as v-p of operations for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and its AOPA Air Safety Foundation.
FSF honored Lawton with the 2022 Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding service and contributions to corporate aviation safety.
“NATA was deeply saddened to hear of Russ Lawton’s passing. It’s rare to find someone as kind and knowledgeable as Russ," said NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna. "The business aviation community is better as a result of his devotion to promoting proactive safety measures and the immense value of a positive, healthy organizational safety culture. Russ’ life’s work combined two of his passions: adventure and the advancement of aviation safety, where his travels allowed him to make a difference for the industry and lasting friendships along the way."
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sherry Marshall, stepdaughter Cara Marshall, and two grandsons.
A celebration of life is anticipated in February. In lieu of flowers, the Lawton family is asking for donations to be made to the Air Charter Safety Foundation, 1800 M St NW Suite 400S, Washington, D.C. 20036. A scholarship will be established in Lawton’s name.
