HFS 2025 Programme

We have carefully selected the topic areas for the HFS 2025 programme, covering the most pressing and innovative issues in the field. The detailed lineup, including the distinguished experts and their presentations, will be updated regularly.

Monday, 23 June 2025

Registration for all attendees will begin on Monday in the early afternoon. In the evening, we will host an Icebreaker Event, where everyone is encouraged to get to know each other to ensure the most effective and engaging experience throughout the HFS 2025.

Additionally, we are pleased to offer two workshops ahead of the main event: the High-G Workshop and the Hypoxia Workshop. These aim to bring together experts and operators of aeromedical equipment to exchange practical experiences and insights. The goal is to collaborate on best practices and provide valuable recommendations for the future of High-G and Hypoxia training. We look forward to sharing key outcomes during the broader event.

All Attendees

13:00–17:00 Arrival and Registration
18:30–00:00 Icebreaker Evening Event at PitterKeller

Workshops

14:00–17:00 High-G Workshop Chairman: Sqn Ldr Daniel Hendriksen, BSc BMedSci BM BS DFFP DRCOG DAvMed MRCGP RAF, GP and Aviation Medicine Training Wing Lead High G Instructor
14:00–17:00 Hypoxia Workshop Chairman: Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dr. Erich Rödig, MD, MC, CFS

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

The presentation sessions are kicking off on Tuesday. After an engaging day of sessions, the evening will be free for everyone—making it the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Salzburg at your leisure.

08:30–09:30 Introduction and Welcome Departure Briefing by Moderator Cpt. Christof Kemény, Flight Instructor, HUD and UPRT Specialist Welcome Address by Dr. Franciscos Rios Tejada, MD PhD; President of International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (IAASM) Welcome Address by Franz Pflug, Managing Director, AMST Keynote by Maj. Gen. Gerfried Promberger, Air Chief Austrian Armed Forces
09:30–10:00 Coffee Break
10:00–11:00 Training Transformation: Bridging Innovation and Operational Demands The Complexities of Aircrew Training at the Voyager Academy by Chris Shepherd, Quality Assurance Manager, CAA Accepted Compliance Monitoring Manager ATO & FSTD, Voyager Academy, Thales UK Next-Gen Flight Training: Merging Real Hardware with Virtual Horizons by Roger Klingler, CEO, BRUNNER Elektronik AG
11:00–11:30 Coffee Break
11:30–12:30 AI-Powered Flight Training: Innovations and Impacts How to Harness the Synergy between Pilots’ Human Capabilities and AI-Driven Systems by Dr. Christian Popp, Cpt. A320, Manager Flight Safety Systems, JetBlue Airways USA Beyond Upskilling: Human-Centered Training for AI-Integrated Aviation by Nicola Cavagnetto, Senior Human Factors Consultant, Deep Blue
12:30–13:00 Podium Discussion
13:00–14:00 Lunch Break
14:00–15:00 Evolving Pilot Selection Criteria in the Age of Automation and Complex Aircraft Systems Psychological Aptitude for Drone Pilots: A Review of Key Traits and Cognitive Demands by Dr. David Brieber, Psychologist, Head of Test Services, SCHUHFRIED Pilot Selection: Quality Management and Innovative Methods by Dr. Rebecca Fill Giordano, Aviation Psychologist, Managing Director hr+ loving development
15:00–15:30 Coffee Break
15:30–16:30 Navigating the Pressures: Challenges in Pilot Mental Health and Well-Being Enhancing Pilot Resilience and Mental Performance: Insights from Aviation Psychology and Elite Professions by Dr. Patrizia Knabl-Schmitz, Senior Business Psychologist, Emirates From Assessment to the Flight Deck: A Holistic Approach to Pilot Mental Well-Being by Deniz Sazak, Industrial and Aviation Senior Psychologist, SunExpress
16:30–17:00 Podium Discussion

Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday morning, the audience will be split into two streams: the Aeromedical Stream and the Commercial Aviation Stream. Attendees are free to choose the stream that aligns with their interests and are welcome to switch between streams at any point during the morning sessions. This flexibility ensures you can engage with the topics most relevant to you and gain insights from both areas of discussion.

Aeromedical Stream

08:30–08:50 Welcome Welcome Address by Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dr. Erich Rödig, MD, MC, CFS Welcome Address by Brig. Gen. Dr. Bernhard Groß, MD, MC, CFS
08:50–09:30 Optimizing Pilot Readiness: Aeromedical Support to Air Training and Operations Hypoxia and Incapacitation during Flight – Effects of Covid Pandemic on Aviation and Rehabilitation by Sándor (Alex) András Szabó, MD, Chief Flight Surgeon / Head of AeMC Kecskemét (EASA), Aeromedical and Military Medical Screening Institute of Hungarian Defence Forces Hypoxia and Incapacitation during Flight – Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – New Aspects by Dr. Harry Harper, Aeromedical Research Institute SZTE, HDF Medical Centre
09:30–10:00 Coffee Break
10:00–11:00 The Future of Aero-Physiological Training: Virtual Worlds, Human-Machine Teaming, and Real-World Performance Human Factors Research in Aerospace Psychology at the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine by Dr. Wiebke Melcher, Psychologist, Research Assistant, German Aerospace Center (DLR) Digital Assistants and Non-Invasive Operators’ Mental States Monitoring for Adaptive Training Solutions by Prof. Dr. Gianluca Borghini, Dept. of Molecular Medicine of the Sapienza University of Rome, R&D Project Manager, Brainsigns srl
11:00–11:30 Coffee Break
11:30–12:00 Beyond Human Limits: Is the Pilot Becoming the Limiting Factor in the Man-Machine Evolution? Modern Hearing Aids in Aviation Medicine by Col. (ret.) Dr. Andreas Knöffler, ENT Specialist
12:00–12:30 Podium Discussion
12:30–13:30 Lunch Break

Commercial Aviation Stream

08:30–09:30 Future Flyers – Training in the Next Era of Aviation eVTOL Integration: Harmonizing Technology, Training, and Regulation by Uwe Nowak, Flight Test Pilot/Flight Test Training Manager at Lilium Chats, Failures and Human Factors: How Messaging Blurs Responsibility by David Schöne, Managing Director FlightGuardian
09:30–10:00 Coffee Break
10:00–11:00 Redefining the Cockpit: Advances and Impacts of Single Pilot Operations Solo in the Sky: Addressing Human Factors Challenges in Single Pilot Operations by F/O Tobias Radke, Member Reduced Crew Operations and IND Working Group, Austrian Cockpit Association Single Pilot Operations in Focus: Insights from Pilatus by Christian Miguel Strubel, Principal Engineer Human Factors, Pilatus
11:00–11:30 Coffee Break
11:30–12:00 Optimal Training: Balancing Regulation and Preparedness Aeromedical Certification Standards – A Critical Slice in Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model by Dr. Thomas Drekonja, MD; AME, CMO, Accountable Manager AeMC Salzburg; Orthopedic Surgeon; President FAI CIMP; Delegate to the EASA Medical Expert Group
12:00–12:30 Podium Discussion
12:30–13:30 Lunch Break

Wednesday Afternoon

On Wednesday afternoon, all participants will come back together for joint sessions. We anticipate engaging discussions and collaborative learning as we transition into the final part of the program.

To conclude the event, we invite everyone to the Flying Dinner at an exclusive location with stunning views of Salzburg. With excellent Austrian cuisine and warm hospitality, this dinner provides the perfect opportunity to relax, and build lasting connections with fellow attendees. We look forward to sharing this special moment with you!

13:30–14:00 Prepared for the Unpredictable: CBTA and the Future of Flight Instruction The Safety Paradox – Rethinking Pilot Training through CBTA – A Perspective from the Instructor Seat by Cpt. Christof-J. Kemény, TRI/TRE A320/A340/E190, HUD and UPRT Specialist, Kemeny Aviation Training
14:00–15:00 Innovative Training Strategies: Bridging Virtual and Real World From Solo to Synergy. Human-Centred Synthetic Flight Training by Dr. Christian Kusmitsch, Co-Founder and CTO Mindset Technologies AG The Use of Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) Technology in Military Pilot Training by Dirk Thijssen, MSc; Medior Training Specialist, Netherlands Aerospace Centre
15:00–15:30 Coffee Break
15:30–16:00 Podium Discussion
16:00–17:00 Presentation of Workshop Results Presentation of High-G Workshop Results Presentation of Hypoxia Workshop Results
19:00–00:00 Flying Dinner at M32

Thursday, 26 June 2025

On Thursday, we offer an optional technical tour for all attendees, where we will travel together to visit a leading aviation facility.

09:00–13:00 Technical Tour to the Flying Bulls To round off our conference, we invite you to a true highlight: an exclusive guided tour of the legendary Flying Bulls in Salzburg! Experience up close how rare flying treasures and technical masterpieces are brought back to life in all their glory. This unique tour offers fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into a remarkable fleet of historic aircraft and helicopters – lovingly restored and kept in flight-ready condition. But there’s more: For us, the Flying Bulls open doors that are usually closed to the public. Discover workshops where precision, craftsmanship, and passion come together. Take a look inside the areas where aviation history is not just preserved – but kept alive. Look forward to an exclusive opportunity not just to admire the Flying Bulls – but to truly experience them.