Her Story
About Linda
Dr. Linda Weiland, Ph.D. is an accomplished aviation professional and educator with over three decades of experience advancing the fields of air traffic management, aeronautical engineering, and aviation maintenance. Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master’s in Aviation Maintenance program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation, she has been a dedicated member of the ERAU community since 1994. Her work integrates her passions for human factors, aviation sustainability, and airport management, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of both the technical and human dimensions of aviation.
Before her academic career, Dr. Weiland served in the U.S. Navy for over two decades, where she held roles as an Air Traffic Control Specialist and Aeronautical Maintenance Duty Officer, managing global aircraft maintenance operations and leading teams of up to 1,000 personnel. Following her military service, she worked as a Liaison Engineer and Project Manager at Hawaiian Airlines, where she coordinated aircraft modifications, oversaw maintenance modernization, and ensured FAA compliance for Boeing fleets.
Dr. Weiland earned her Ph.D. in Human Factors, with a dissertation exploring the implications between UAV and Air Traffic Management systems in commercial airspace. She also studied at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, focusing on resilience in communication within ATM systems. Beyond her academic and professional roles, she has served as president of both the Honolulu branches of the American Association of University Women and Zonta International, championing equity and leadership opportunities for women in aviation and beyond. Through her lifelong dedication to aviation education, Dr. Weiland continues to inspire future generations of engineers, pilots, and innovators to reach new heights in their careers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Linda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother and the many male mentors who supported and guided me throughout my career, teaching me the value of perseverance, integrity, and continuous learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you have to provide for and invest in yourself, taking ownership of your growth and opportunities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue both formal and informal education—read books on your field, join school clubs, visit museums, and explore every opportunity to discover and fuel your passion.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is being a female in a male-dominated industry, but this also presents the opportunity to lead, inspire, and pave the way for more women to succeed in aviation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family and integrity, guiding how I make decisions, build relationships, and approach every challenge.
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