From Vision to a Global Aviation Network: Dr. Peggy Chabrian | On Air S2E8

From Vision to a Global Aviation Network: Dr. Peggy Chabrian | On Air S2E8

Author: Women in Aviation International April 15, 2026 Duration: 49:15

Meet Dr. Peggy Chabrian

Dr. Peggy Chabrian is the founder of Women in Aviation International and retired as WAI president/CEO in September 2019. She grew the organization from its first conference attended by 150 people in 1990 to an organization representing thousands of women in all aspects of aviation today.

A long-time aviation enthusiast and professional aviation educator, Peggy is a 2,800-hour commercial/instrument multi-engine pilot and flight instructor who has been flying for over 45 years. She also holds helicopter and seaplane ratings to her flight qualifications. Peggy currently enjoys flying her Cessna 150.

Prior to her founding Women in Aviation International, she held several top positions in aviation education including Academic Dean and Associate Vice President of Parks College; Dean of Academic Support for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott, Arizona campus; Director of the Center of Excellence for Aviation/Space Education at ERAU's Daytona Beach campus; and Department Chair of the aviation department at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

She currently owns Chabrian Aviation, a consulting business and serves as an online adjunct faculty member for Liberty University's School of Aeronautics in their PhD and Master’s degree programs.

Peggy was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in September 2024, and is also the recipient of the National Aeronautics Association’s Brewer Award for Aviation Education, the Wesley McDonald Distinguished Statesman & Stateswoman of Aviation Award, and the Henderson Trophy in 2020. She has received the FAA Administrator's Award for Excellence in Aviation Education and the Vision Award from Business and Commercial Aviation magazine. She was inducted into the Crown Circle of the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education.

Available on Spofity, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

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There's a whole world above the clouds, and the voices shaping it are more diverse than ever. The WAI On Air Podcast, from Women in Aviation International, opens the hangar doors and the boardroom doors to the people making it happen. This isn't just about the roar of engines; it's about the conversations, the problem-solving, and the personal journeys that define modern flight. You'll hear directly from pilots navigating long-haul routes, engineers designing the next generation of aircraft, and air traffic controllers managing the complex ballet of the skies. The podcast also features insights from aerospace executives and the innovators pushing technology forward. Each episode is a candid look at the challenges and triumphs experienced by women, and their allies, across every specialty. Tune in for authentic stories that go beyond the resume, offering a genuine sense of the community and the passion that fuels this dynamic industry. Whether you're a seasoned aviation professional or simply fascinated by flight, this series connects you to the human element that keeps our world moving.
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