Peter DeNucci

Captain Peter DeNucci is a retired U.S. Airways captain recognized for his expertise in safety culture and human factors within high-stakes industries. DeNucci logged more than 18,000 hours in various Boeing and Airbus aircraft during his aviation career. He served as senior principal test pilot for Northrop Grumman and the Air Force in the High Altitude Long Endurance unmanned division, and as a senior instructor in human factors for the B-21 Raider and the B-2 bomber. DeNucci holds a Master of Science in UAV systems engineering with a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles.

DeNucci's contributions to aviation safety have influenced industry practices. He and Captain Sullenberger were both flying for U.S. Airways during the early adoption of human factors and safety culture initiatives. While Sullenberger taught at universities, DeNucci provided instruction at U.S. Airways and in healthcare settings. The communication procedures depicted in the film "Miracle on the Hudson" were based on DeNucci's protocols used with flight crews. He also provided oversight for safety culture and just culture implementation within the FAA air traffic control community.

DeNucci is the author of several books on safety culture and change management, which have served as foundational texts for airline cockpit transformations. His titles include "Creating a Just and Safe Culture: Catch the Error — Avoid the Accident," "Commander and Crew: The Human Factors Approach to Teambuilding and Leadership," and "Captain's Discretion: Taking Command of Your Life in the Confusion of a Balanced World." These works demonstrate his expertise in organizational culture, safety, and accountability.

DeNucci has consulted on change management and safety culture implementation using his five-step leadership model and the Just and Safe Culture Matrix in sectors such as aviation, healthcare, FAA/ATC, pharmaceuticals, railroads, and law enforcement. His company, Apollo Publishing, Inc., is named in honor of the NASA Apollo program, which inspired many of his change management philosophies. DeNucci's curriculum is designed for full implementation in industries where human life is at risk. As a keynote speaker, he addresses topics including "The Just Culture | Safe to Speak Up and How to Structure It" and "Safety Culture and Cost Avoidance | Why We Want an Effective Safety Culture," sharing his experience with audiences across multiple sectors.