Launching Diverse Careers in Aerospace

Launching Diverse Careers in Aerospace

Jeffrey James Madison Bio

Jeffrey James Madison is an aviation safety expert, airline pilot, flight instructor and author. He currently serves as a mentor pilot with PSA Airlines, where he guides and develops cadet pilots, sharing his wealth of knowledge in Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Flight Management Systems (FMS). His deep commitment to aviation safety is reflected in his role as a Safety Management System (SMS) expert, contributing to Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) and authoring critical analyses on human factors and safety.

In 2024, Madison authored the book Yikes! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em, an engaging and insightful collection of true aviation stories that reveal the lessons learned from pilots’ near-misses and mistakes. This work further solidifies his standing as a thought leader in aviation safety. 

Also in 2024, Madison founded the Victor Kilo Fund (victorkilofund.org), to support, educate and provide resources for under-resourced populations seeking careers in aviation as pilots, dispatchers, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics and aerospace engineers.

In addition to his aviation credentials, Madison is an accomplished writer and journalist, with significant contributions to both the aviation and environmental sectors. He a pioneering aviation safety writer, becoming the first aviation safety expert to analyze the FAA’s Aviation Safety and Reporting System (aka NASA Reports) in a monthly column called, “Human Factors” for General Aviation News. He has penned over 250 articles, columns, and profiles.

His thought leadership extends to the climate sector, where he co-founded The Climate, Inc. (theclimate.org), a media company dedicated to amplifying climate change narratives, particularly those of marginalized communities. Madison’s work in environmental advocacy has earned him multiple awards, including Best Documentary Short at the 2023 DC Independent Film Festival.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Madison has dedicated significant time to volunteerism. He has served as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, a member of the US Coast Guard’s “Flying Flotilla” Auxiliary, and a mentor to aspiring pilots. His commitment to education and community service further highlighted by his former role as an adjunct professor and Director of Technology and Media Production at American University, where he supervised numerous projects and nurtured the next generation of media professionals.

Madison holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, a BA from Harvard University in Afro-American Studies and Visual & Environmental Studies, and a Professional Pilot certificate from Long Beach City College. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Press Club, Harvard Alumni for Climate and Environment, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals