Upon graduation from the Daniel Webster College-School of Aviation Science, Rick Bartle began his career outside of aviation as a Mechanical Designer and Project Manager in the plastics industry. In time, the excitement of an entrepreneurial opportunity drew him back into aviation, specifically to launch an aerial advertising company. Over the years, Mr. Bartle has held positions in General Aviation Operations as an FBO manager, Airport Operations Management, and Collegiate Aviation Education.

As an Airport Operations Supervisor at the Pease Development Authority at Pease International Airport, Portsmouth, NH, Mr. Bartle was trained in emergency response and coordination. As part of his professional responsibilities, he performed periodic checks of their ability to respond to emergencies through simulated exercises and “table top” sessions and routinely worked with local police, federal agents, the Air Force, Air Traffic Control, fire departments, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), and local EMS to appropriately manage or emergency response protocols.

Before joining the ASSIST team in 2010, Mr. Bartle went “back to school” as the Assistant Director of Flight Operations and Administration for Daniel Webster College. While at DWC, Mr. Bartle authored their first comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan and trained 100+ instructors and supervisors in its implementation. He also designed and participated in several emergency response exercises. As the Assistant Director of Operations there, he was responsible for managing all emergency operations 24/7 and was the initial point of contact in the event of an incident or accident.

Throughout Mr. Bartle’s career, he has participated in various seminars and workshops that dealt with emergency planning and response. This includes work with the National Air Transportation Association, the National Business Aircraft Association, and independent study through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute.

After joining ASSIST in 2010 as its Director of Aviation Operations, a position he held until June 2014, Mr. Bartle built and led the organization’s flight operations, including all equipment acquisition and maintenance, and oversaw all missions and imagery processing for clients. He also initiated and implemented an aviation management function that ultimately led to him also assuming the role of Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the company’s technology road map. Having passed the Director’s baton to Mr. Curtis Harvey in June, 2014, Mr. Bartle now focuses full time on his CTO and aviation management role.