John Frearson lives near Melbourne in southern Australia. He recently retired from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) where he led the Simulation Team deeply involved with certification, regulation and user approvals. John put together the CASA UPRT Project Team and managed UPRT implementation across Australia.

John now consults on decision making in time-critical situations and has recently had a book published by Routlege: Operational Safety for Aviation Managers John’s life has been immersed in the lore and practice of aviation. His love of all things to do with flying was fostered by his father, a Second World War Royal Australian Air Force Lancaster Captain. Obtaining his Private Licence while still at high school John’s career in Australia progressed to command on the DC9 and B727 along the way taking time off flying to complete MBA studies. John moved to Sweden in 1993 flying the MD-80 as he explored the challenges of European winter charter operations.

John’s challenges continued with Korean Air, flying the MD-80 and Boeing 777. Following the 1997 Guam 747 accident he became involved in high-risk mitigation training. John was appointed Assistant B777 Chief Pilot then overall Adviser on Standards and Training as Korean Air rebuilt after a series of accidents.

John is a Fellow of the RAeS in 2019 and was a lifetime member of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots.
John has had ICAO secondments to World Food Program aviation and the Philippines CAA and remains involved with ICAO simulation working groups.

John’s interests outside of aviation center on his family, church, Scouting and his garden.