Kate Madden

Specialist Consultant - Aviation Safeguarding

Background

With extensive experience in aviation, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in safety management systems, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory. She has built a solid foundation in the complex landscape of aviation safety, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration.

With a background in air traffic control, Kate has also served in Aviation Compliance, Policy and Safety roles across both air traffic management and commercial airline providers, as well as having acted as an Aviation Consultant to a variety of aviation organisations. Kate provides evidence-based analysis and advice on safety, risk, and compliance, and her strategic and operational mindset allows Kate to effectively navigate the "grey areas" of aviation regulation and deliver clear, actionable advice to stakeholders at all levels.

Kate’s experience working as an Air Safety Regulator with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand involved having regulatory oversight of air traffic services, including emerging technology and UAS airspace integration challenges. Through this role Kate contributed to the development of safety and compliance frameworks, and policies, and was a member of a number of cross-government working groups influencing change.

Kate provided expert input to the international aviation system as the New Zealand member on both the ICAO Asia-Pacific Air Traffic Management Sub-Group and the ICAO UAS Advisory Group (UAS-AG).

Kate has a passion for collaborative work and enjoys facilitating discussions across diverse groups, from internal teams to global regulators. Her ability to synthesise information from multiple sources, identify risks, and formulate evidence-based solutions ensures that the projects she leads are both impactful and sustainable. With a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects, navigating regulatory challenges, and leading policy initiatives, Kate is a trusted advisor and a go-to resource within the aviation sector.

Strengths include:

  • Safety Management Systems & Risk Management
    Aviation Policy & Regulatory Compliance
    Auditing & Compliance Advisory
    Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement
    Emerging Technologies & UAS Integration
    International Relations & Regulatory Advocacy

Notable engagements:

  • Panelist at Dubai Airshow 2023 “Integrating AAM operations in ATM and UTM”
    Panelist at AUVSI Exponential Orlando 2022 “The Safety Target”
    Panelist at ICAO RPAS Symposium Chengdu 2018 “Implementing Harmonised Regulations”

Qualifications

  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
    Certificate Level 3 Regulatory Compliance (Core Knowledge)
    Bachelor of Accounting
    Diploma in Air Traffic Control, with Air Traffic Controller License
    Prince 2 Project Management: Practitioner
    Diploma of Financial Markets