Curriculum Vitae

Ron Abel

Retired Airline Captain | Former IFALPA President | Aviation Consultant

USA and Canada
Ron Abel

Summary

Internationally recognized aviation safety leader with over 40 years of experience spanning commercial aviation, international policy, labor relations, and emerging technologies including RPAS and advanced air mobility. Served as President of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), representing over 100,000 pilots across 100+ member associations at ICAO and global regulatory bodies.

Experience

President

IFALPA — International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations · USA, Canada

Led the world's foremost international aviation pilot organization, representing the safety and professional interests of pilots globally at ICAO, IATA, and regulatory bodies worldwide.

  • Represented 100,000+ pilots across 100+ member associations at ICAO
  • Chaired the annual IFALPA conference for 400+ international delegates
  • Led policy positions on RPAS integration, fatigue risk management, and cybersecurity

President & CEO

InterPilot Aviation Safety Foundation · Montreal, Canada

An independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy, and communications to improve aviation safety.

  • The Interpilot Aviation Safety Foundation (IPASF) was established in 2018 as a Canadian charity.
  • The Foundation’s aim is to connect, influence, and train leaders in international civil aviation safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
  • Provide a platform for independent research, education, advocacy, and communications to improve global aviation safety.
  • Policy development and regulatory engagement and leadership training for aviation safety professionals and organizations worldwide
Present

Founder & Principal Consultant

AbelWorks · Global (Remote)

Independent consultancy focused on aviation safety, regulatory affairs, RPAS integration, and leadership advisory services.

  • Aviation safety and SMS consulting for operators and regulators
  • RPAS policy development and regulatory engagement
  • Leadership coaching and organizational advisory

Expertise

Aviation

  • Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Fatigue Risk Management (FRMS)
  • RPAS / Drone Policy
  • Aviation Security (AVSEC)
  • Flight Operations

Leadership & Policy

  • International Negotiation
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Labor Relations
  • Strategy Development
  • Public Policy
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Certifications

Licenses & Type Ratings

  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) · Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
    Type Ratings
    • A-320
    • AVR-146
    • B-747
    • B-757
    • B-767
    • B-777
    • BAE-ATP
    • BAE-146
    • F-27
    • SD-3

Languages

  • English Native
  • French Conversational