News Release

Brian Sutton Selected as National Aviation Safety Manager for the National Park Service

Brian Sutton selected as National Aviation Safety Manager

NPS/C Stevenson

News Release Date: November 8, 2023

Contact: Candy Stevenson, 208-519-0611

Brian Sutton has been selected as the national aviation safety manager for the National Park Service (NPS). Brian most recently served as the logistics management specialist (LMS) and a contracting officer representative (COR) for the U.S. Army at Fort Wainwright, AK. Sutton oversaw a highly complex aviation maintenance contract providing support for the 11^th Aviation Brigade (Arctic Warriors) at Fort Wainwright. The 44-person contract provides pass back sustainment maintenance for a fleet of 24 AH-64 Apache helicopters, 12 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 8 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, 15 HH-60 Blackhawk Medevac helicopters, 12 MQ-9 Reaper UAS systems. He is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) CH-47 Chinook maintenance test pilot, instructor pilot, and safety officer. 

Prior to working as LMS/COR, Brian served as the northern hub aviation manager for the NPS in Fairbanks, AK. The northern hub (NHUB) is a highly complex aviation program consisting of seven parks and preserves. All parks are only accessible by either air or water in the upper half of Alaska. The NHUB consists of, Yukon Charley Rivers National Preserve, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Noatak National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Inupiat Heritage Center, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The program consisted of two fleet pilots, two ranger pilots, four fleet fixed wing aircraft operating on floats, skis, and oversized tires, one exclusive use helicopter contract, and two fleet uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). Brian performed duties across the Alaska region as an Interagency Aviation Training instructor and is the 2022 recipient of the NPS Wright Brothers National Aviation Safety Award. Prior to working for the NPS, Sutton amassed more than 3500 hours of flight time, with six combat deployments, while serving in Germany, South Korea, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Fort Liberty (Bragg), Fort Novosel (Rucker), Fort Carson, and Fort Wainwright. His military flight time includes, wildland fire water drops, high mountain search and rescue, overwater flight, water landings, paradrop operations, repel operations, external loads, and step operations. Throughout his career in aviation, Brian served in multiple positions and received multiple qualifications that prepare him for his new role. 

NPS Aviation Branch Chief, John Buehler looks forward to having Brian join the team that also includes fleet, helicopter, and UAS specialists. “Brian will be a great addition to the national aviation team and integral to enhancing the NPS safety culture and provide continued excellent customer service to the NPS and our partners,” said Buehler. “His numerous years of operational aviation experience within the military and NPS aviation community will bring additional knowledge to the aviation branch, which will positively impact the overall NPS aviation program.” 

Brian is equally thrilled to be an integral member of the national aviation team collaborating to progress, enhance, and promote an effective aviation safety program. “I look forward to rejoining the NPS and engaging in the new role. It should prove to be both exciting and challenging. I am excited to work with managers, pilots, crews, partners, and vendors to excel the aviation safety culture for the NPS,” added Brian. 

Brian began his role on November 5, 2023 at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID. Calling Alaska home, Brian and his family are excited to move back to the lower 48 to be closer to family and friends. His wife Christie is a medical assistant, Christopher his eldest son (23) is stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, and his youngest son Joshua (20) attends college at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Brian and Christie are looking forward to becoming part of the Boise community, enjoying the warm weather, and exploring the local cultures and activities.