Additional Information - Sylvester Dardaine
Biography
My aviation career began over thirty years ago at this time I served the industry in many capacities from an avionics trainee technician to the Director of Flight Safety at the Civil Aviation Authority for the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
I was an aircraft avionics maintenance person for most of my years in the airline part of my career working on replacements, repairs, and modifications. I have been employed by British West Indian Airways (B.W.I.A), Air Caribbean, Cayman Airways, Caribbean Star Airlines and Caribbean Sun Airlines. Employed by these many airlines I gained experience in the three main regulatory systems FAA, Canadian, and Europe. I entered Quality Assurance when I was with Caribbean Star Airlines Limited. In September of 2007, I resigned from Caribbean Star Airlines Limited, having attained the position of Director of Quality Assurance, this marked my exit from the airline’s operational part of my aviation career after eighteen years.
I entered the regulatory part of my aviation career when I began employment with the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority in October 2007. Being employed here was the icing on the cake, so to speak, since everything I was used to doing in airline maintenance made sense to me as to why things are done a particular way. I gained insight from ICAO, FAA, Transport Canada, EASA, BCA, TTCAA, GCA, and many other Civil Aviation Authorities around the world. I resigned in December 2023 after being the Director of Flight Safety for ten years.
I now believe that I have a lot that I can offer the industry having gained a lot of experience at various levels at the CAA, Director of Quality Systems, and Aviation Expert in avionics systems for airlines.
Certificates
Résumé
Sylvester M. Dardaine
📞 +1 (868) 484-5701 | ✉️️ contact@sdaviationservices.com
🌐 Founder & CEO, SD Aviation Services Limited
✈️ Professional Summary
Experienced aviation executive with over 30 years of expertise in flight operations, maintenance, and regulatory oversight. Skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with international safety standards. Proficient in strategic planning, partnership building, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Dedicated to fostering continuous improvement and achieving organizational goals.
🛠️ Core Competencies
- Aviation Safety & Compliance
- Flight Operations & Maintenance Oversight
- Regulatory Protocols (ICAO, FAA, EASA)
- Quality Assurance & Control
- Strategic Leadership & Team Management
- Aircraft Accident Investigation
- Operational Audits & Inspections
- Conflict Resolution & Staff Development
- Certification & Licensing Procedures
- MS Office Suite
💼 Professional Experience
Founder, Owner & CEO
SD Aviation Services Limited (SASL) — March 2024 – Present
- Founded and manage a consultancy specializing in aviation safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Provide expert advice to operators and regulators throughout the Caribbean region.
Director of Flight Safety
Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) — Feb 2014 – Dec 2023
- Directed the Flight Safety Division, overseeing airworthiness, flight operations, and personnel licensing.
- Led aircraft accident investigations and coordinated safety audits across OECS states.
- Drafted and implemented aviation regulations; collaborated with ICAO, FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada.
- Managed certifications, training programs, and harmonization of safety oversight systems.
- Supervised HR functions, budget planning, and interdepartmental coordination.
Airworthiness Inspector
ECCAA — Oct 2007 – Jan 2014
- Conducted inspections and audits of aircraft maintenance organizations and personnel.
- Investigated safety occurrences and monitored dangerous goods handling.
- Administered licensing exams and advised on regulatory compliance.
- Acted as expert witness in legal proceedings.
Director of Quality Assurance
Caribbean Star Airlines Limited — Apr 2005 – Sep 2007
- Managed quality systems for maintenance and flight operations.
- Oversaw technical records and liaised with ECCAA on compliance matters.
Quality Assurance Inspector
Caribbean Star Airlines Limited — Jul 2001 – Mar 2005
- Audited maintenance procedures and ensured regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with contractors and suppliers across North America and the Caribbean.
Avionics Engineer
Air Caribbean Limited — Jun 1998 – Jul 2000
- Certified avionics work and conducted troubleshooting in coordination with A&C engineers.
Lead Aircraft Technician
British West Indies Airways Limited (B.W.I.A.) — Nov 1989 – May 1998
- Led a team of technicians in wire repairs and part replacements.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior staff.
🎓 Education
BA Business Management (General) Edinburgh Napier University — Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 Graduated with Distinction
Technician Diploma in Electrical/Electronics Engineering (NEC) John S. Donaldson Technical Institute — 1980 – 1983 with an Endorsement in Computer Technology (1987)
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Holy Cross College — 1975 – 1980 Subjects: Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, Additional Mathematics
🧾 Licenses, Certifications & Training
Institution | Certifications & Training | Years |
ECCAA | Aircraft Accident Investigation, SAFA Ramp Inspection, Aviation Compliance, E-IOSA, Report Writing | 2010–2018 |
ICAO | NCMC, SSP & SMS, Dangerous Goods, USOAP | 2012–2018 |
FAA | Government Safety Inspector of Airworthiness (GSI) | 2009 |
Caribbean Star Airlines | Quality Auditing, Dash 8 Familiarization, Propeller Maintenance | 2001–2005 |
Stanford Aerospace | Maintenance Intro, Receiving Inspection, Quality Control | 2002–2004 |
Air Caribbean | B737-200 Systems & Company Authorization | 1998–2000 |
B.W.I.A. | Avionics Systems (MD-83, L1011), Windshear, TCAS/MODE S, LWTR Modules | 1989–1998 |