Dr. Powell
New Zeland
Please join us in welcoming Dr. David Powell, one of the world's leading experts in aviation medicine and pilot health.
Dr. Powell is an internationally recognized aviation physician with more than three decades of experience serving the aviation industry. He has held senior medical leadership positions with Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the New Zealand Airline Pilots Association. Throughout his distinguished career, he has advised airlines, regulators, governments, and international organizations on aviation medicine, fatigue risk management, pilot wellbeing, substance use recovery programs, and public health.
A Fellow of multiple aerospace and medical organizations, Dr. Powell has contributed to global aviation safety initiatives through his work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and numerous international aviation medical committees. His research and publications have helped shape industry understanding of fatigue, pilot performance, aviation safety, infectious disease management, and occupational health. He has also served as an advisor to the U.S. HIMS program, supporting pilots in recovery and promoting safe return-to-duty practices.
Today, Dr. Powell continues to serve as a consultant in aviation medicine, Medical Director of the Safe Haven Initiative New Zealand, and advisor to aviation organizations worldwide. His unique combination of clinical expertise, operational aviation experience, academic leadership, and commitment to pilot wellbeing makes him a highly respected voice within the global aviation community.
