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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Dr. Walter Wiechetek

After receiving an engineering degree (magna cum laude) from Boston University, Norm began his career working for the Hamilton Standard Division of United Aircraft on the NASA Apollo Program, initially in Connecticut and then at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. As part of a small engineering team, he prepared and tested the portable life support systems and trained astronauts how to use the equipment that sustained life during the lunar explorations. During the Apollo 11 flight, Norm provided technical support to the media, including being interviewed by the New York Times explaining the capabilities of this life support system.

Norm received a commendation from NASA on the work he did to redesign, refurbish, test, and upgrade the quality, reliability, and safety for the portable oxygen ventilators which were used to support future Apollo and Skylab crew training and prelaunch operations.

Still with Hamilton Standard, he then pursued a new career path as a safety engineer and within a few years had overall company responsibility for health, safety and security. He provided technical and management direction to this industry-leading large company in the aviation and aerospace business and was recognized many times for innovative and successful initiatives for improved safety performance and cost reduction. During this time, Norm earned the Certified Safety Professional and Registered Professional Engineer designations.

Later in his career, Norm collaborated with Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization to develop the first online training system focused on meeting the Federal Aviation Administration’s drug and alcohol training requirements. This cost-effective and innovative solution enabled companies in the United States to train online their safety-sensitive employees and supervisors to help ensure commercial aviation safety.

In 2003 Norm established FedReady LLC to provide online training and consulting services to the commercial aviation industry and to NASA Contractors to support the United States Space Program.