RWS 80 – Influencing a Positive Aviation Culture with Natalee Johnston

Rotary Wing Show - Interviews from the Helicopter Industry

There are differing and some very academic definitions for what culture is. I like – “the way we do things around here”. This is a chat about organisational culture and how it impacts on aviation and specifically helicopter operations.

Natalee Johnston spent most of her time in the Royal Australian Navy as a Sea King pilot. A fatal crash of a RAN Sea King ‘Shark 02’ in 2005 brought with it an increased focus on culture within that Unit and the larger Navy Fleet Air Arm. As Natalee progressed in her career through pilot instructing positions, Flight Commander, Fleet Air Arm Flight Safety Officer and SQN Executive Officer roles she was observer many of the changes and the programs put in place from the findings of that accident investigation.

Now out of the Defence Forces Natalee is taking that knowledge and applying her background in the safety field for civilian organisations with a focus on human factors and the influence of culture on company or organisation performance.

Flight 2, 817 squadron on the flight deck of HMAS KANIMBLA with Seaking 10 and Seaking 22, on return to Australia from OPERATION PADANG ASSIST.

In this episode we cover:

• Natalee’s Defence career and how she got a start flying helicopters
• Culture – what is it / definitions / is it measurable
• Why it is important and its impact on safety outcomes
• What are the elements that make up culture
• What individuals or leaders can do to influence a better culture
• Culture as a competitive advantage
• Women in Aviation organisation – goals / scholarships

Sea King Shark 22 – At work Shoalwater Bay

Podcast: Subscribe in iTunes | Play in new window | Download

Links from this week’s episode:
Support the podcast on Patreon

assimilatedsafety.com – Natalee Johnston’s consulting company

2005 Sea King Crash Investigation – the executive summary from the Board of Inquiry highlights some of the causal themes that lead to an increased focus on ‘culture’ as a safety indicator/opportunity.

Women in Aviation – Australian Chapter – information about mentoring, events and scholarships provided by this organisation.

‘Just Culture’ concept is mentioned in the podcast. The video below is an expansion on that idea.

Life on the outside of Defence. Natalee trying her hand at plank driving.

Natalee with MRH90 crew for a flight into Milton Public school March 2018

WAI Australian Chapter March 2019 at Women in Aviation International conference

Have a comment or feedback about Episode 80? Maybe you have some great tips of your own that others can benefit from. Be part of the conversation by leaving a comment below.

The post RWS 80 – Influencing a Positive Aviation Culture with Natalee Johnston appeared first on The Rotary Wing Show Podcast.