Although airplanes have been flying to The Bahamas since 1919, it was only after World War II that Bahamians, usually ex-RAF and RCAF pilots, began to captain aircrafts that traversed the archipelago and connected the islands to the wider world. When the skies opened up to the average Bahamian, a growing number of young men seized the opportunity to take to the air and many have gained international respect for their competence. Captain Randy Butler is one of that outstanding group. An accomplished pilot with experience as an FAA-certified Pilot Instructor and Pilot Examiner, Butler, in 1996, became the first Bahamian practicing in the Bahamas to be designated by the Civil Aviation Authority (UK) as a Pilot Examiner.

 

The scope of Captain Butler’s expertise is wide, backed by many important certifications and experiences. He holds United States of America, Canadian and Bahamas Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP) with type-ratings on Boeing 737 Jet, Dash 8, Cessna Citation Jet, Beechcraft 1900, SAAB 340 and seaplane aircraft. He has logged more than 6,000 flight hours as a corporate, commercial and charter pilot. He has completed international training and obtained various certifications in the following: Aviation Security, Civil Aviation Management, Airport Certification & Management, Airline Security, Airline Operations & Management and Safety Management systems (SMS). Among his IATA diplomas and certificates he counts eight distinctions.

 

The recognition and respect Butler has garnered in the field of aviation is well deserved. He has amassed 24 years of industry experience.

From 2000 to 2007, Butler worked at the Flight Standards Inspectorate/Bahamas Civil Aviation Department as Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) Supervisor and Acting Manager.  His responsibilities included the training of inspectors and technical officers.

 

In 2000, when The Bahamas was downgraded to Category Two by the International Aviation Safety Assessments (IASA) Program Butler led the recertification process.  The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority had to demonstrate its ability to certify Air Carriers, issue Air Operator’s Certificate as per the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and provide adequate safety oversight. Familiar with the ICAO and the USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit process, Butler was a part of the ICAO’s Safety follow-up audit and the FAA IASA audit of the Bahamas. He engaged in preparation for the FAA IASA Audit and Country assessment and the implementation of The Bahamas’ new Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and ICAO. Follow-up audits were successful and the Bahamas attained FAA IASA’s Category One status in less than a year. 

 

The aviation world gave Butler another vote of confidence when he was named Investigator-in-Charge of the tragic and high profile fatal aircraft crash accident investigation that claimed the life of R&B singer Aaliyah. In this role Captain Butler was required to interact and liaise with international aviation authorities, international and local law agencies, and the foreign press and take part in court proceedings.

Captain Butler’s employment history also provides evidence of the confidence he inspires in his field. The Nassau Development Company (NAD) operator of the Lynden Pindling International Airport, has had the benefit of his services as Manager of Public Safety, with responsibility for the day-to-day safety of all users of the Lynden Pindling International Airport and the airside safety of the runways, taxiways, ground movement of vehicles & aircraft and liaises with various law enforcement agencies and aviation authorities.

 

From 2007 to 2008, Butler was engaged with the Bahamas Government at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, as the first-ever manager of Aviation Security for the whole Bahamas. He reported directly to the Minister responsible for Civil Aviation on aviation security matters, advising on policies for aviation security and other aviation related matters. In addition, Captain Butler liaised with foreign government on aviation security issues and represented the government at international conferences and meetings on aviation security.

 

In 2008, The Board of Directors of SkyBahamas, announced Captain Butler’s appointment as CEO and President of SkyBahamas; with responsibility for the company’s day-to-day management. Reporting directly to the Board, he leads a team of highly skilled aviation professionals. At the centre of his game plan he seeks to ensure that SkyBahamas continues to fly high in the challenging and highly competitive climate of commercial aviation in what Butler calls “strategic scheduling, targeting key domestic routes and on-demand flights linking The Bahamas and the United States. He believes that this is a necessary strategy to bring more lucrative opportunities to tourism and hospitality throughout the archipelago.

 

Butler’s professional resume includes memberships with The National Business Aircraft Association, (NBAA); Aircraft Pilots and Owners Association, (AOPA); Nassau Flying Club and the Bahamas Aviation Association where he serves as President.  He was the recipient of the 2010 Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, 2011 Grand Bahama Christian Council Visionary Leadership Award, 2010 Andros Nation Builder Award and his company received the 2010 National Cacique Award for Transportation among others.

 

Captain Butler’s experience and credentials credit him as being more than capable of leading SkyBahamas to a great and prominent future.  Under his visionary leadership, the airline has expanded operations to include routes out of Nassau to Exuma, Freeport, Abaco, New Bight and Arthur’s Town, Cat Island, San Salvador, Bimini, Providenciales Turks & Caicos, Haiti and Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Imminent expansion plans includes Eleuthera, Andros and other Florida routes.  Under his watch Staff compliment has doubled, the airline fleet has grown to six aircrafts, over ¼ million dollars have been given back to communities’ initiatives through donations and assistance and an aggressive and successful training and maintenance programme has been put in place.

 

A devout Christian and an Androsian by birth he considers it his proudest accomplishments being married to Larona and being the father of his three sons; Darcy his eldest (a pilot at SkyBahamas type-rated on the SAAB), Randy Jr and baby Joshua and one daughter Hanna-Rachel.