Every quarter, we introduce a USHST Steering Committee member, highlighting their background, motivations, and key insights. This month, we shine a spotlight on USHST Government Co-chair Robert Reckert, a dedicated aviation professional who has spent his career shaping safety standards and mentoring future aviators.
Rob’s love for aviation was practically written in the stars—or rather, in the flight logs of his family. His grandfathers were World War II pilots, flying B-17s for the U.S. Army Air Corps and F-4s for the Royal New Zealand Navy. His father kept the legacy alive as a radar technician on the C-121 Constellation for the U.S. Air Force.
Inspired by their stories, Rob built model jets as a kid and eagerly attended air shows at Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts. His enthusiasm led him to join the U.S. Army, serving tours in Korea and Iraq as an AH-64D Apache Longbow Maintenance Test Pilot. Later, he became an HH-60M Blackhawk Standardization Instructor Pilot with the Army National Guard.
His career spans both military and civilian aviation, including time as a Helicopter Air Ambulance pilot under 14 CFR Part 135 before joining the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector in 2008. Today, Rob serves as the acting Deputy Director of the Office of Safety Standards (OSS) in the Flight Standards Service, overseeing policy, guidance, and regulations for civil aircraft operations.
✈️ “The best pilots never stop learning.”
Rob believes that lifelong learning is the key to aviation success. Whether you’re a new pilot or a seasoned professional, continuous growth and self-improvement are essential. His passion for aviation safety and mentorship makes him a natural leader in USHST, and he is proud to support a community that has given him so much.
Rob holds a Master of Science degree from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute. His extensive qualifications include:
✅ Commercial Pilot, type-rated in S-70 and S-70M ✅ Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII) ✅ Remote Pilot ✅ A&P Mechanic with Inspection Authorization
Rob’s leadership and expertise are helping USHST drive meaningful progress in rotorcraft safety. We’re honored to have him as a sponsor of the team!
Stay tuned for more Steering Committee spotlights in upcoming issues! ✈️ 🚁