Nirmal Siyabalapitiya
Base Flight Safety Manager / VVIP Rated Helicopter Pilot
Summary
Accomplished aviation safety executive with nearly two decades of success in rotary and fixed-wing aviation operations, flight safety management, and accident investigation. Seasoned in command flying with over 3,000 flight hours in VVIP, UN, and commercial operations. Expertise in developing Safety Management Systems (SMS), leading accident investigations, and providing comprehensive training. Holds ATPL(H) license and formal qualifications in safety, aircraft accident investigation, and aviation management. Known for cultivating proactive safety culture and ensuring regulatory compliance in high-stakes environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Flight Safety Instructor & Investigator
Flight Safety Institute,SLAF /Bangladesh Air Force
01.2014 - Current
- Delivered advanced training in flight safety, CRM, and risk management to pilots and engineers.
- Qualified instructor for Safety Management Systems and aviation hazard prevention.
- Completed formal Aircraft Accident Investigation and Flight Safety Officer training.
Senior Flight Safety Manager / Command Helicopter Pilot
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF)
01.2010 - Current
- Served as the Flight Safety Manager at SLAF Base Ratmalana, overseeing operational safety for all flying units.
- Conducted base-wide safety audits, investigations, and SMS risk assessments; ensured adherence to ICAO and national standards.
- Chaired and participated in multiple Aircraft Accident Investigation Boards, including the recent Bell 212 incident in SLAF 9 09 May 2025)
- Directed and trained large aircrew and ground safety teams, instilling a proactive safety culture across squadrons.
- Managed commercial flight operations under Helitours, operating Bell 412/212 helicopters in civilian airspace.
- Commanded flights for heads of state, dignitaries, and critical military and humanitarian operations.
- Logged over 3,005 flight hours (including 250+ fixed-wing), with zero safety violations.
Military Contingent Pilot /UN Military Peacekeeper
UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan)
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Conducted over 350 flight hours in complex humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
- Maintained highest safety and compliance standards under UN aviation protocols.
Education
MSc - Aviation Studies
London Metropolitan University
01.2022 - 01.2023
MA - International Relations
University of Colombo
01.2023 - 01.2025
Diploma - International Relations
Bandaranyke Centre For International Studies
01.2014 - 01.2015
Diploma - English
Royal Institute
Certificate - Computer Programming
TEC Sri Lanka
01.2000 - 01.2001
Skills
- Flight Safety Management
- Aircraft Accident Investigation
- ICAO Annex 19 & Doc 9859
- SMS Implementation & Auditing
- Aviation Regulatory Compliance (UAE GCAA / CAASL)
- ATPL(H) & Fixed-Wing Flying Experience
Websites
Certification
ATPL(H), Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL)
Professional References
- Captain Nihal Jayawickrama (Retired), Srilankan Airlines, jayawickrama.na@gmail.com, +94 777 486 017
- Air Commodore Sameera Gunawardane, Director Air Intelligence, Sri Lanka Air Force, dai@airforce.lk, +94 768 228 787
Flight Experience Summary
3,005.05 hrs, 2,831.45 hrs, 250+ hrs, Bell 212/412 under CAASL regulations, 350+ hrs (UNMISS)
Additional Information
Professional References
Captain Nihal Jayawickrama (Retired)
Srilankan Airlines
Email: jayawickrama.na@gmail.com
Phone: +94 777 486 017
Air Commodore Sameera Gunawardane
Director Air Intelligence, Sri Lanka Air Force
Email: dai@airforce.lk
Phone: +94 768 228 787
Timeline
MA - International Relations
University of Colombo
01.2023 - 01.2025
MSc - Aviation Studies
London Metropolitan University
01.2022 - 01.2023
Military Contingent Pilot /UN Military Peacekeeper
UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Flight Safety Instructor & Investigator
Flight Safety Institute,SLAF /Bangladesh Air Force
01.2014 - Current
Diploma - International Relations
Bandaranyke Centre For International Studies
01.2014 - 01.2015
Senior Flight Safety Manager / Command Helicopter Pilot
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF)
01.2010 - Current
Certificate - Computer Programming
TEC Sri Lanka
01.2000 - 01.2001
Diploma - English
Royal Institute
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