Dr. Meyers is an experienced aircraft accident investigator, and has work experience as an engineer, pilot, and mechanic. He's an adjunct aviation instructor at Lewis University, and teaches courses pertaining to Applied Aircraft Accident Investigations. He has piloted / instructed in 60+ different types of aircraft ranging from turbines to gliders to seaplanes. FAA licensed Commercial Pilot- Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, Glider, Seaplane, Instrument; Active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI); FAA licensed Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic (A&P) with FAA Inspection Authorization (IA); FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME); Understands the Person-Machine-Environment interface. He served in the USAF/ANG as a Non-Commissioned Intelligence Officer. He has a Master Degree in Aeronautical Science, B.S. in Engineering Physics, A.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and an Extension Diploma in Applied General Metallurgy.

Profile:

• Aviation and Human Factors: Piloted / instructed in 60+ different types of aircraft ranging from turbines to gliders to seaplanes. FAA licensed Commercial Pilot- Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, Glider, Seaplane, Instrument; Active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI); FAA licensed Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic (A&P) with FAA Inspection Authorization (IA); FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME); Understands the Person-Machine-Environment interface.

• Accident Investigator: Extensive experience investigating product liability claims. Applies scientific methodologies to accurately reconstruct and explain the circumstances of an accident. Investigations ranging from the in-flight failure of composite airframe structures to the use of unapproved parts to reconstructing ground vehicle incidents. Illinois licensed Private Detective.

• Material Scientist: Brings a strong experience in applying modern materials science coupled with a focus on failure analysis and the use of standardized testing techniques. Evaluates the effects of corrosion, temperature, and mechanical stresses on the performance of materials. Analysis performed on fractured thru-bolts, crankshafts, fuel pumps, carburetors, and bearings.

• Failure Analyst: Provides practical and comprehensive testing that is independent and unbiased. Capable of performing a broad range of tests to determine the strength, physical, chemical, and wear properties of metals, coatings, ceramics, composites, and plastics. Access to ASTM qualified test machines, optical microscopes, SEM, FTIR, load cells, and accelerometers.

• USAF Non-Commissioned Intelligence Officer: Confident public speaking skills with experience in preparing briefings and making recommendations to high-level military commanders.

Areas of Expertise:

• General Aviation Aircraft & Ground Vehicle Accident Investigation and Reconstruction: DVI has investigated numerous accidents involving general aviation aircraft. We've investigated issues involving improper maintenance, piloting error, crew resource management, adverse weather conditions, loss of control, system failures, in-flight fires, and manufacturing abnormalities. We've also been involved with investigating accidents related to ground and support vehicles, crew access walkways, and runway/ramp environments.

• Aircraft System Analysis and Audit of Maintenance Records: Aircraft are extremely complex products comprised of many subsystems, components, and parts. DVI has a comprehensive understanding of the internal and external factors related to integrating an aircraft as a system. DVI has investigated landing gear systems, turbo charging systems, integrated avionics and autopilots, and flight control / trim systems. DVI also understands how to properly audit the maintenance records of an aircraft to evaluate compliance with applicable regulations.

• Organizing and Conducting Mechanical Testing: DVI can offer both standardized mechanical tests as well as custom testing designed specifically to simulate field conditions under controlled laboratory conditions. We can provide detailed analysis on the operation all aircraft accessories and components, including: Crankshafts, Camshafts, Vacuum Pumps, Fuel Pumps, Fasteners, Gears, Alternators, Starters, Magnetos, Brakes, Fuel Additives, Oils, Carburetors, Fuel Injectors, Engines, and Helicopter Parts.

• Scientific Analysis, Information Research and Data Collection: DVI provides information research and analysis services. We maintain multiple fee based accounts with major engineering and technical information depositories. This enables us to search for technical information, standards, reports, papers, and cited literature within networks and databases not available to the public, and provides fast and efficient answers with supporting analysis.

• Evaluation of Wear and Component Related Failure Analysis: DVI has experience and education in the field of Tribology, which is the science and engineering of interacting surfaces in relative motion. DVI has access to one the most comprehensive Tribology test laboratories for the evaluation and study of lubrication, friction, wear and abrasion. This equipment is used to evaluate: oils, greases, fuels, industrial fluids, hydraulic fluids, synthetics, metal working fluids, solid film lubricants, thermal spray coatings, thin film coatings, plastics, ceramics, ferrous and non ferrous materials.

• Advanced Coatings, Materials, Composites, and Lubricants: DVI' staff has received long term funding by the Department of Defense for the development, testing and evaluation, and application of advanced material solutions for the War fighter. We bring a uniquely deep and strong experience in applying modern materials science coupled with a unique focus on failure analysis, industrial problem solving, and use of industry-leading testing techniques to achieve a far better understanding and definition of the technical problem and superior solutions. DVI's staff has also worked on programs involving the development of large high strength composite structures and the development and testing of novel coatings and lubricants for use in extreme environments.

• Human Factors, Flight Training and Technologically Advanced Aircraft: DVI's staff has been part of research activities that studied the adaptive behavior of pilots flying Technologically Advanced Aircraft, and its impact on air safety. DVI's staff have co-authored several papers, as well as presented at many FAA seminars, on this topic.

• Case Management: Unlike other Experts that charge hundreds of dollars an hour, and have multiple billing tiers, DVI offers a single hourly rate. This translates into a significant cost savings for the client’s, and DVI often times assists in organizing and managing the case materials for multiple experts that are retained on the case.