Safety Takes Flight: Soaring Through an Internship with the National Transportation Safety Board

In her early teens, Shyan Khalil (’25) stumbled upon “Air Disasters” on the Smithsonian Channel, a television show that focused on the occurrence and investigation of aircraft accidents. She was immediately drawn in – binge-watching the show for “hours on end” – and credits this discovery as the spark that ignited her interest in pursuing a future in aviation safety.

“I have always been fascinated by all aspects of flight. I am naturally inquisitive and always strive for improvement. I want to work to figure out what went wrong, why it went wrong and how we can prevent it from happening again...” she said. “Learning from past mistakes and making the necessary improvements is the main reason why we have been able to make such great strides in this industry.”

Finding an Aviation-Oriented School

Despite her aviation interests, Khalil spent two years of college as an Early Childhood Education major – but found herself wishing for more of a challenge in her studies – “The small push that keeps you going and pushes you to be the best you can be.”

As she began to research schools in the aviation realm, she noted that Embry-Riddle was always one of the first search results.

“I took a shot and decided to submit a transfer application with Embry-Riddle. I knew that if I were to step out of my comfort zone, this would be the best opportunity for me to do so,” she recalled. “A few weeks later, my dad called me to tell me that I had a big envelope from Embry-Riddle at home waiting for me. I got in! This was just the beginning for me.”

From there, Khalil moved from New Jersey to Florida to attend Embry-Riddle and earn her degree in Aerospace and Occupational Safety – a decision that was backed by unconditional support from her parents, who knew this was a longtime dream come true.

“To be able to be surrounded by like-minded people has helped me become a better student and aspiring aviation professional. Embry-Riddle is extremely well-known in aviation and it's for a reason,” she shared.

Getting Involved on Campus

Since arriving on Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus, Khalil has immersed herself in the same culture she was drawn to; now leading as the president of the American Society of Safety Professionals chapter, working as the Safety Officer for Hammerhead Aviation (the aerobatics club on campus), participating as an active member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and the Barefoot Flying Club.

On top of this, Khalil plans to get her Private Pilot License soon and works on campus in the FAA Testing Center.

“I proctor the FAA Airmen Knowledge Tests! I have worked here for a little over a year; it’s a great way for me to earn money while providing the perfect flexibility to stay on top of my coursework,” she said.

Interning with the National Transportation Safety Board

When Khalil received an email from the College of Aviation about the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accepting student interns from Embry-Riddle, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Long before I ever applied to Embry-Riddle, I always said that I wanted to work with the National Transportation Safety Board as an Aircraft Accident Investigator,” she remembered. “I never thought that I would have been so close to my dream so soon. I truly believe that I spoke my future into existence.”

After working with her Career Services advisor to get her resume and cover letter into perfect shape, Khalil submitted her application and soon after got the phone call – she’d landed the position. She remembers being “nervous and excited but, above all, thankful.”

“It is all thanks to Embry-Riddle and their amazing team. I’m appreciative of Career Services for making the opportunity available to Embry-Riddle students and my professors for preparing me to be successful in my role,” she remarked.

In her internship, Khalil worked in the NTSB Office of Occupational Safety and Health, which focuses on employee safety. Day-to-day tasks included putting together go-bags for investigators and assisting with data collection and recording, while she also had opportunities to conduct preliminary research for the implementation of new safety policies and even attend a wreckage examination.

“During this [examination], I worked closely with the Investigator in Charge and party members; this was a wonderful opportunity to play a role in the work that I want to do one day,” she shared. “I learned some great techniques and made plenty of connections!”

Throughout her internship, Khalil took the opportunity to reach out to and connect with current NTSB employees, creating a network of lasting connections within the organization. She noted that the employees were often excited to meet and gave their compliments on her initiative. 

“I formally introduced myself and asked if they would be interested in doing a networking interview over lunch or coffee,” she said. “I took this time to pick their brains about their experience in the field and how they got to be where they are today. Through these introductory meetings, I formed great relationships with people at the NTSB and got invited to the labs a few times to observe a black box recovery!”

Finding Motivation in Air Safety

Khalil keeps her personal motivation in mind throughout the pursuit of her degree and professional success.

“The fact that air safety investigators make meaningful recommendations that can help save lives is what pushes me to continue my work in the field of aviation safety. I want to work for the good of the public,” she said. “I want to initiate significant changes to aviation safety to allow for continuous progression and safety improvements.”

Outside of her professional motivations, Khalil says that support from her family is the inspiration at the core of her studies.

“I have younger family members back home who have looked up to me for years. They think that what I'm doing is the coolest thing in the world! I understand that I am setting an example for them, and I want them to know that they can do anything that they put their minds to,” she said. “I have a great group of friends here at Embry-Riddle that constantly push me to put my best foot forward. I have surrounded myself with like-minded people who motivate and inspire me.”

When asked what advice she would give to future Eagles, Khalil offered a mantra that she herself follows.

“Be an optimist and take advantage of all opportunities. I always say, the worst thing someone can say to you is ‘no,’ but you’ll never know unless you ask,” she shared. “Embry-Riddle has ample opportunities available, but unless you are actively participating, you are only cheating yourself.”

“You are capable of more than you think; don’t let anyone tell you differently!”

Want to see where the Embry-Riddle Advantage can take you? Apply today!