Steven B. Wallace, Senior Aviation Advisor
swallace@oneillandassoc.com
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As a senior aviation advisor in our Washington DC office, Steven B. Wallace draws upon a distinguished 32-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  His technical and legal expertise provides a powerful complement to our capabilities in the areas of aviation and transportation.

As Director of the FAA Office of Accident Investigation for eight years, Mr. Wallace had overall responsibility for FAA accident investigation activities, and for implementation of safety improvements based on investigation findings.  He was the FAA lead on matters involving the National Transportation Safety Board, including major investigations and development of FAA responses to NTSB recommendations.

Mr. Wallace was one of thirteen members of the independent board that led the investigation into the February 2003 loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and subsequently served on the Congressionally-mandated NASA Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel.  He is the recipient of two NASA Exceptional Service Medals.

From 1991-2000 Mr. Wallace was the FAA Senior Representative at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy.  In this diplomatically-accredited position he served as the primary FAA liaison for the aviation authorities and industry in a 29-country geographic area spanning Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.  He is a fluent Italian speaker.

From 1984-1991, Mr. Wallace was Manager of the Standards Staff in the FAA's Transport Airplane Directorate in Seattle, a staff of engineers, pilots, and technical writers responsible for setting design standards for transport aircraft.  He provided leadership over major safety improvements including aircraft interior escape path lighting, fire resistant cabin interior materials, and 16-G impact resistant seats.

Wallace began his FAA career in 1976 as an attorney in the regional office in New York, focusing on enforcement matters and tort claims.  He moved to the Seattle legal office in 1979, where he became the primary legal advisor to the Transport Airplane Directorate.

Mr. Wallace holds degrees in Psychology and Law, and is admitted to legal practice before New York State and Federal courts.  He is an active commercial pilot with Multiengine, Instrument, Seaplane, and Glider ratings.  He is a citizen of Ireland as well as the United States, and currently resides in McLean, Virginia.

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