IFA CEO John Vincent presented the annual IFA Whittle Safety Award at the Royal Aeronautical Society Headquarters, London.  This prestigious award is nominated by the IFA members and honours the work of Sir Frank Whittle, father of the jet engine. It recognises an outstanding contribution to airworthiness.   

Padhraic Kelleher, Head of Airworthiness, CAA UK

‘In recognition of his leadership in the co-ordination of international efforts to secure operational solutions to the risks presented by ash contamination of UK and European airpspace by the Icelandic Volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, resulting in airworthiness criteria on ash tolerability and establishment of a safety risk management framework for flight in contaminated airspace.’

IFA Executive Director, John Saull presented the award to Padhraic after his presentation as part of the Royal Aeronautical Society one day conference titled ‘Flying through an Era of Volcanic Ash’