Biography: David B. Walen

Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Electromagnetic Interference and Lightning

Before David Walen joined the FAA in September 1996, he spent 19 years with the Boeing Company. His last assignment at Boeing was engineering manager for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group Electromagnetics and Antennas. He managed electromagnetic effects and antennas engineering for the Boeing model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 airplanes.

Mr. Walen specializes in aircraft electromagnetic compatibility, lightning protection, and high-intensity radiated field protection. He has written and contributed to numerous technical publications on aircraft lightning and high intensity radiated field (HIRF) protection.

In his current position, Mr. Walen advises and supports FAA programs for aircraft certification, continued integrity of aircraft electromagnetic protection, accident investigation, technical electromagnetic protection policy development, and specialized aircraft electromagnetics training. Also, he is a member of the international HIRF and lightning protection rulemaking working group within the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

Member, professional organizations and societies:

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
RTCA SC-135 Committee for Avionics Environmental and Electromagnetic Test Standards
RTCA SC-202 Committee for Portable Electronic Devices on Aircraft
SAE AE2 Aircraft Lightning Protection

Academic achievement: Mr. Walen holds a BS in Electrical Engineering (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of North Dakota. Also, Mr. Walen is a Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in Washington State, and an NARTE-Certified Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineer.