Congratulations to ADF member Michael Thompson who received the prestigious Aviation Safety Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to flight operations safety.
Recognition for Three Decades of Safety Leadership
The National Aviation Safety Foundation presented its highest honor to Michael Thompson, a senior dispatcher with United Airlines and longtime ADF member, during their annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Thompson was recognized for his groundbreaking work in developing enhanced weather prediction models that have significantly improved flight safety across the industry.
Career Achievements
Over his 32-year career, Thompson has been instrumental in several major safety initiatives:
- Developed the Thompson Weather Matrix, now used by over 40 airlines worldwide
- Led the implementation of real-time turbulence reporting systems
- Authored three industry-standard training manuals on severe weather operations
- Mentored over 200 new dispatchers through ADF’s professional development program
- Served on FAA advisory committees for weather-related safety regulations
“Michael exemplifies the highest standards of our profession. His innovations have prevented countless weather-related incidents and improved safety for millions of passengers.”
ADF President Susan Richards
Innovation in Weather Prediction
Thompson’s most significant contribution, the Thompson Weather Matrix, combines multiple data sources to provide dispatchers with a comprehensive view of weather threats along flight routes. The system has been credited with reducing weather-related diversions by 35% at airlines where it has been implemented.
“This award belongs to all dispatchers who work tirelessly to keep flights safe,” Thompson said during his acceptance speech. “Every day, we make decisions that affect thousands of lives. This recognition highlights the critical importance of our profession.”
Continuing the Legacy
Thompson continues to serve as a senior dispatcher while also leading United’s dispatcher training program. He recently launched an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into weather prediction models, which promises to further enhance flight safety capabilities.
The Aviation Safety Excellence Award includes a $10,000 grant, which Thompson has donated to the ADF Education Foundation to support scholarships for aspiring dispatchers.