SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – Linda Schumm has joined the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Aeronautics as Bureau Chief of Aviation Safety.
Schumm, who has been active in the aviation community since 1984, holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate and multiple Flight Instructor Certificates. She is very active in the aviation community and has accumulated over 8000 hours of flying time in a variety of piston-powered aircraft. Schumm is one of two women on the current FAA register who are type rated in the Grumman TBM Avenger.
Prior to joining IDOT, Schumm was a Cessna Pilot Center Regional Manager for Cessna Aircraft Company. In this position she consulted with over 75 flight schools throughout the Midwest. She assisted the Cessna Training Department in developing the training program for the new Technically Advanced Aircraft. She also developed a G1000 Transition Course to teach pilots how to use all the tools available to increase the safety of their flight.
Schumm has coordinated and conducted many Flying Companion Seminars for the Illinois Pilots Association and the FAA. She has been a guest speaker for safety seminars, flying clubs, annual meetings, EAA meetings and local business groups. Presentations covered her experiences in air racing, international flights and flight training. In addition, Schumm assisted the Illinois Department of Transportation with the development of the Wannabee Pilot Program. This program has introduced hundreds of people to the world of aviation.
Schumm has been active in the Ninety Nines, Lifeline Pilots, and the Illinois Aviation Trades Association. She is an active judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. Schumm is a member of Women in Aviation International and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). In her spare time, Schumm enjoys flying her 1947 Luscombe 8A.
Schumm holds two National Aeronautic Association Certificates of Record: Speed Over a Recognized Course, Peoria, Illinois to Kitty Hawk, N.C. on December 16, 1993, and Third Place Finish in the 1992 Air Race Classic.
