The Renowned Aerial Adventure Expert
“With over 35 years of experience in the aerial adventure industry, I, Michael Troy Richardson, have developed a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances inherent in this field. My extensive background provides invaluable technical expertise and credible testimony in 100 case studies involving zipline and challenge course incidents, particularly those related to braking failures.”
– Michael “Troy” Richardson
One of his notable contributions to the aerial adventure industry is the invention of the Richardson Safety Trolley, which is recognized as the first fail-safe friction-braking system. This innovative engineering solution not only enhances safety but also sets a benchmark for safety standards in an injury-prone industry. His work led to U.S. Patents demonstrating my commitment to safety. His company ZipSafe™, is advancing zipline braking systems and the standards (i.e., ASTM F2959-19) with technical excellence and prioritizing participant safety on aerial courses.
Troy’s Background
Michael “Troy” Richardson — has a bachelor’s in engineering, inventor of Five-plus U.S Patents, and risk management expert with over 35 years of experience. His focus in the aerial adventure and amusement ride industry changed the ASTM F2959 or Zipline standards. His career began in the late 1980s building roller coasters for major Las Vegas casinos, and it evolved into a lifelong mission: making ziplining safer for everyone. He started AA Machining & Welding in 1995 and exited in 2015. As serial entrepreneur, he opened Encompass Engineering (AZ) then converted the company to ZipSafe, LLC (TM) with the DBA of Momentum Engineering in Utah.
In 2002, his company built and designed the braking system for the safest zipline in the world; In 2003, he patented the first fail-safe friction braking trolley, which revolutionized the way operators manage zipline arrivals. That innovation led to multiple U.S. patents and the founding of ZipSafe Adventure Products, where he designs, manufactures, builds, trains, and inspects aerial adventure attractions across the country. He has personally investigated over 200 zipline accidents, with 100 case-studies for plaintiffs and defendants. This allows him to identify and eliminate the root injury causes like braking failures — leading to the development of the Richardson Safety Trolley, rebranded in 2025 as the Park City Mountain Trolley, after the first patent expired in 2023.
Troy is an expert witness for aerial adventure parks and zipline safety matters, he is a standards contributor to ASTM International (F2959, F2970, F1193, and F770), and a passionate advocate for evidence-based design, engineering integrity, and operator training.
Supporting Legal Teams with Insightful Analysis
Through my detailed analyses and 200 investigations, I assist legal teams in uncovering failures to follow standards, manufacturers’ guidelines, and local regulations, which cause incidents. I provide clarity and rationales for the standards, and safer solutions when operating ziplines (F2959), challenge courses (ACCT/ANSI & PRCA/ANSI), and trampoline courts (F2970). By presenting complex evidence with authority and precision, I help ensure that the intricate technical details are communicated effectively to all parties involved. This role underscores the significance of having credible experts in legal proceedings pertaining to the aerial adventure sector.