Heather McNevin, MSc, is an aviation safety professional with 29 years of industry experience focused on risk mitigation and building durable safety cultures. She spent much of her career as an air traffic control specialist, serving in leadership and technical roles including Traffic Management Coordinator, Controller in Charge, On-the-Job Training Instructor, Scenario Generation developer, and National Validation Team member, while also supporting safety, STEM, and operational excellence initiatives across the National Airspace System.
She holds a BS in Aeronautics (Air Traffic Control) from the University of North Dakota and an MS in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with dual specializations in Human Factors and Aerospace/Aviation Safety Systems, graduating with distinction. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace at UND, conducting independent safety research. Her professional training includes credentials and coursework in aircraft accident investigation, aviation management, change management, data analytics, cognitive interviewing, Human and Organizational Performance, flight test, and HFACS.
A highly experienced pilot and educator, McNevin has logged 1,100+ flight hours across 61 aircraft types, holds type ratings in the DC-3 and B-25, and maintains CFI/CFII/MEI certificates with advanced operational endorsements. She is a three-time NAFI Accredited Master Aviation Educator (2015, 2018, 2023). As an FAA Safety Team Representative, she has delivered safety seminars nationwide and created the Operation Raincheck safety program, reaching more than 2,700 participants, alongside work as a Lead Representative and Remedial Training Instructor.
Her contributions have been recognized with the FAA Administrator’s Safety Award, FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year at the district level, and the FAA Administrative Excellence Award as part of the National Validation Team. She also serves on the AIAA General Aviation Technical Committee, advancing research, public understanding, and improvements in general aviation systems and safety.