Simon Place

Dr Simon Place is a Senior Lecturer at Cranfield University, affiliated with the National Flying Laboratory Centre. He holds a PhD in reliability and safety assessment of helicopter transmission systems and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE). His expertise lies in air transport safety, airworthiness, aviation operations, and maintenance human factors.

• PhD, Cranfield University (research on helicopter transmission reliability)
• MSc in Flight Dynamics, Cranfield University
• BSc in Engineering Science & Technology, Loughborough University

Dr Place's research focuses on safety and risk assessment, reliability analysis, and human factors in aviation maintenance. He has led projects for clients such as DSTL, UK Ministry of Defence, QinetiQ, and international civil aviation authorities. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical applications in aircraft systems and safety.

His recent publications (2023–2024) emphasize aerodynamic modeling of the Saab 340B, flight simulation, and landing gear health assessment using flight data and prognostics. These works reflect a strong trend toward data-driven, hybrid approaches combining simulation, optimization, and real-time monitoring for proactive maintenance and safety enhancement.

His scientific recognitions include:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE)

Dr Place leads airborne laboratory training and contributes to MSc modules in Airworthiness, Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems, and Safety & Accident Investigation. He collaborates extensively with researchers like James Whidborne and Mushfiqul Alam. He has no known grants listed, but his applied research suggests active funding from defense and aviation sectors. He advises research students, though specific names are not provided.

He is a key member of the Safety and Accident Investigation Centre at Cranfield, leveraging first-hand experience in military and airline operations and accident investigation. His team focuses on real-world aviation safety challenges, certification, and design improvement.