Squadron Leader Russell Kennedy, of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, DSD
Squadron Leader Russell Kennedy has served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force since January 1978, during which time his name has become synonymous with flight safety. He has held various roles as an aircraft accident investigator and as Air Force Safety Officer. He has led or assisted in over 25 aircraft accidents or incidents. His expertise is also recognised in the civilian flight safety sector and he has been called on to assist both the Civil Aviation Authority and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission on many occasions, most recently the crash of the Air New Zealand Airbus A320 off the coast of France. He is also Secretary of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Air Safety Investigators. Squadron Leader Kennedy's contributions to the safety of flights in the Australia and New Zealand region have benefited the aviation industry and the public.