Dr. Sarah Nilsson is an associate professor teaching for both the Aeronautical Science and Applied Aviation Sciences Departments.
Dr. Nilsson holds a J.D. from Arizona Summit Law School, a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Northcentral University and an M.S. in Aeronautical Science. Additionally, she holds an FAA ATP certificate, remote pilot certificate and all CFI ratings. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a professional pilot.
Dr. Nilsson specializes in aviation law, global drone law, and advanced air mobility (AAM). She co-authored the 6th, 7th and 8th editions of Practical Aviation and Aerospace Law. In 2017, she authored, for the American Bar Association, Drones Across America, a text on federal, state and local drone laws. In 2023, through Pressbooks, she authored, and updates weekly, the eBook, Drones Across the World, a comprehensive tome on the world’s drone and AAM laws. Dr. Nilsson is also a Senior Academic with the Advanced Air Mobility Institute.
Throughout her tenure at Embry-Riddle, Dr. Nilsson has created two new courses, one in drone law and another in AAM, to better prepare the students for the global work environment.
She also presents at various drone and AAM conferences, sometimes with students and colleagues.
With 5 legal textbooks and over 50 publications in conferences and journals, Dr. Nilsson is widely recognized for her valuable contributions to aviation, drone and AAM.
Beyond her scholarly achievements, Dr. Nilsson actively engages with the FAA Safety Team, serving as a Safety Representative and DronePro. She frequently leads Wings Seminars to educate her fellow pilots.
Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Northcentral University
J.D. - Juris Doctor (Doctor of Jurisprudence) in Juris Doctor, Arizona Summit Law School
M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Human Factors Aviation Systems, Aviation Aerospace Safety Systems/Operations, ˛ÝÝ®ĘÓƵ
B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics: Aviation Safety and Business Administration, ˛ÝÝ®ĘÓƵ
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, Prescott, AZÂ ĚýĚý
May 2020 – Present
Associate Professor of Aviation Law and Regulations with Tenure
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, Prescott, AZÂ
January 2015 – May 2020
Assistant Professor of Aviation Law and Regulations ​
Embry-Riddle: Worldwide Campus - Office of Professional Education
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚý January 2015 – Present
FAASTeam Representative
Aviation safety volunteer who works closely with Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAASTeam) Program Managers to actively promote safety. Training and support are given by the FAASTeam Program Managers. Duties include teaching safety seminars and assisting with organization and implementation of training.
ILSSON LAW, PLLC, Peoria, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚý October 2014 – Present
Founder and Managing Attorney
Opened solo practice law firm upon passing the Arizona State Bar Exam and being officially sworn in as a member of the Bar. Primary focus of the firm is business formation, contracts, estate planning, aviation and space law, mediation and circle justice. Unique aspect of the firm is the 24-hour access that clients have to a live attorney who is always on call! Additionally, most business is transacted over the phone or online for convenience of the client, and when documents need to be signed and notarized, the attorney and notary make business/house calls.
ARIZONA SUMMIT LAW SCHOOL, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýDecember 2014 – February 2015
Alumni Bar Prep Coach
Mentored five students who were preparing to sit the February Bar Exam in Arizona. Provided motivation, good study techniques, stress coping mechanisms, time management advice and academic preparation. Graded Multistate Essay Examinations (MEEs) and Multistate Performance Tests (MPTs). Met with school leadership throughout the process on a weekly basis to devise and implement best strategies for their success.
NEAL LAW FIRM, PLC, Scottsdale, AZ ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý January 2014 – August 2014
Law Clerk
Worked with Clio and WealthCounsel in the law office of Abigail Neal, specializing in estate planning (wills and trusts), informal probate and business formation (limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships, corporations, nonprofit corporations and 501(c)(3) charities). Filed annual reports and worked closely with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) on several business formations. Wrote a company-training manual.
ARIZONA SUMMIT LAW SCHOOL, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý  January 2014 – April 2014
Teacher Assistant
Assisted Professor Millar in the Spring 2014 trimester with two courses: criminal procedure and advanced legal writing and advocacy. Taught class presentations to help the students grasp the course concepts. Graded several quizzes and tests. Performed limited amounts of legal research.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, Phoenix, AZĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýDecember 2013 – April 2014
VITA/TCE Volunteer
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program generally offers free tax help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. As an Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified volunteer I provided free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities. I could inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help for all with priority assistance to people who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement issues unique to seniors. Â
CURRY, PEARSON & WOOTEN, PLC, Phoenix, AZĚýĚý ĚýĚýNovember 2012 – December 2014
Legal Externship
Assisted Attorney Michael Pearson with legal research and writing, drafted motions, and edited documents for distribution to clients. Learned 1&1 software and created web pages with legal content in the areas of FAA pilot enforcement and other aviation issues.
ARIZONA SUMMIT LAW SCHOOL, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýJuly 2013 – December 2013
Mediator
Worked in the Law School’s Mediation Clinic and on site with the City of Phoenix and was assigned mediations dealing in dog-barking issues. Worked in the Maricopa County Justice Court assigned to mediate various cases involving contract disputes, debt collections, homeowner’s association (HOA) disputes and other small claims cases.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýJuly 2007 – February 2013
Program Manager of Aerospace Magnet
Provided leadership and support to approximately 2 to 3 other teachers and 200 students within the Aerospace Department each year. Managed the department’s budget and coordinated on a monthly basis with the district’s leadership and the other magnet of the Phoenix Union High School District. Sat on South Mountain High School’s Instructional Cabinet. Partnered with industry flight school, Chandler Air Service and coordinated flight training at Chandler Airport for the flight students enrolled in the Aerospace Magnet.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL, Phoenix, AZ ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý July 2004 – February 2013
Flight Instructor of Aerospace Magnet
Provided flight and ground school training to approximately 50 students within the Aerospace Magnet each year. Partnered with industry flight school, Chandler Air Service and coordinated flight training at Chandler Airport for the flight students enrolled in the Aerospace Magnet. Sponsored the Flight Team, a high school club for future aviators.
US AIRWAYS, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýJune 2006 – September 2006
Intern
Interned with the Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Joe Chronic. Worked within the aviation safety office while working on my Masters of Aeronautical Science Degree at ˛ÝÝ®ĘÓƵ. Performed a study comparing US Airways’ inadvertent emergency slide deployment with industry trends. This study, presented to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Doug Parker, was later published in their internal newsletter.
SPORTS CLUB AT CITY SQUARE, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýSeptember 2003 – July 2004
Assistant Director
Worked with Director, Al Ezrre of Pro-Fit Inc. Performed bookkeeping tasks, client billing and payroll services. Hired aerobics instructors and personal trainers. Managed the fitness center. Provided in-house training for the staff. Handled customer service issues with clients.
Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
Provided personal training, one-on-one, to clients. Counseled clients on living a healthier lifestyle. Taught classes in Step Aerobics, Stretch and Strength Training, Senior Fitness, Kickboxing, and Low-Impact Aerobics.
CRM, Scottsdale, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýJune 2003 – August 2003
Flight Instructor - CFI, CFII, MEI
Performed the duties of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated flight instructor. Created and implemented a ground school class for Citation Ce-500 type rating training. Assisted in class presentations. Photographed aircraft parts and created PowerPoint slides for use during the ground school portion of the class.
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, Phoenix, AZĚýĚý May 2003 – August 2003
Assistant Center Director
Enrolled students into the various bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Assisted the Center Director with regards to meetings, public relations, facilities, scheduling and staffing.
CUTTER AVIATION, Phoenix, AZ ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýMay 2003 – August 2003
Customer Service Representative
Provided interface between private jets and ramp personnel with respect to catering and fuel services. Drove the courtesy van between the fixed-base operator (FBO) and Sky Harbor’s main terminals.
AEX INC., Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýApril 2002 – April 2003
Part 135 Cargo Pilot
Flew air cargo missions in Piper Navajo, Piper Seneca III and IV aircraft between Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. Primarily instrument flights, mostly at night and some day. Received Hazmat certification for the purpose of carrying radioactive isotopes to the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico from Phoenix, Arizona.
CRM, Scottsdale, AZĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý January 2002 – April 2002
Flight Instructor - CFI, CFII, MEI
Performed the duties of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated flight instructor. Trained students for private, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine certificates.
WESTWIND SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICS, Deer Valley, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý Nov 2000 – January 2002
Flight Instructor - CFI, CFII
Performed the duties of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificated flight instructor. Trained students for private, instrument, and commercial pilot certificates.
PHOENIX PLAZA FITNESS CENTER, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý ĚýĚýAugust 1999 – November 2000
Assistant Director
Worked with Director, Al Ezrre of Pro-Fit Inc. Performed bookkeeping tasks, client billing and payroll services. Hired aerobics instructors and personal trainers. Managed the fitness center. Provided in-house training for the staff. Handled customer service issues with clients.
PHOENIX PLAZA FITNESS CENTER, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚý September 1997 – November 2000
Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
Provided personal training, one-on-one, to clients. Counseled clients on living a healthier lifestyle. Taught classes in Step Aerobics, Stretch and Strength Training, Senior Fitness, Kickboxing, and Low-Impact Aerobics.
NATURALLY WOMEN FITNESS CENTER, Phoenix, AZĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý September 1995 – June 1997
Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
Provided personal training, one-on-one, to clients. Counseled clients on living a healthier lifestyle. Taught classes in Step Aerobics, Stretch and Strength Training, Senior Fitness, Kickboxing, and Low-Impact Aerobics.
- March 2024-Present, Senior Academic, Advanced Air Mobility Institute
- May 2020-2021, Angel Flight West, Command Pilot
- February 2018-Present, Phi Kappa Phi (PKP), invited by ERAU-Prescott Campus Chapter as part of Top Researcher Award
- 2016-2019, Transportation Research Board (TRB), The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Standing Committee on Aviation Security and Emergency Management, Committee Member
- January 2016-Present, American Leadership and Policy Foundation (ALPF), Senior Fellow
- 2015-2018, Women in Aviation, International (WAI), ERAU, Prescott Campus Chapter, Co-Advisor
- 2014-Present, International Air and Transportation Safety Bar Association (IATSBA), Member
- December 2014-Present, United States District Court of Arizona, Member
- December 2014-December 2014, Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of Maricopa County Bar Association (MCBA), Board Member
- October 2014-Present, State Bar of Arizona, Member
- August 2014-December 2014, Arizona Summit Law School Alumni Association, Board Member, Chair of Communications
- 2014-Present, Arizona Pilots Association, Member
- 2012-Present, Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) International Law Fraternity, Goldwater Chapter, Lifetime Member
- 2012-2013, Arizona Summit Law School, Student Bar Association, Evening Student Delegate
- 2012-2014, Arizona Summit Law School, Aviation Law Student Association, President
- 2011-Present, American Bar Association, Member
- 2011-2013, Arizona Summit Law School, Night Student Society, Member
- 2002-2003, 2012-Present, Women in Aviation, International (WAI), Member
- 2003-2004, 2014-2015, National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), Member
- 2003-2005, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Member
- 1998-Present, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Member
- May 2025, ERAU Distinguished Faculty Award
- May 2025, College of Aviation Rucie J. Moore Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award
- May 2024, College of Aviation Class Marshal, Commencement
- November 21, 2023, ERAU CTLE, Innovative Teaching Grant (ITG) Award, for use in the Spring 2024 Semester
- September 27, 2023, ERAU, IT, Tracy Parodi’s Nearpod User of the Month (making COA-PC the winner too). Video at https://erau.instructuremedia.com/embed/757223e1-464c-4f9d-af11-4ca45cc8d587
- May 5, 2023, ERAU College of Aviation, Teaching Satisfaction Award
- March 9, 2023, Textbook Affordability Champion 2023, Open Education Resources and Eagle Pubs, DB-PC-WW
- May 2022, Open Textbook Creation Grant, CTLE, Pressbooks, and Hazy Library
- December 2021, College of Aviation Class Marshal, Commencement
- May 6, 2021, ERAU, College of Aviation John H. Jenkins, Faculty Service Award
- January 23, 2021, FAA Safety Team Rep of the Year Award for AZ
- January 23, 2021, FAA Safety Team Rep of the Year for Pink Region
- April 8, 2020, ERAU, Promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure
- April 17, 2019, ERAU, Strategic Implementation Team (SIT) 4 High Performing Research Member for College of Aviation
- April 2, 2019, ERAU, Service Award at the Prescott Campus
- April 2, 2019, ERAU, College of Aviation, Service Award
- February 28, 2019, ERAU, Scholarly Speaking Award
- April 17, 2018, ERAU, Top Researcher at the Prescott Campus Award and invite into Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Honor Society
- April 17, 2018, ERAU, College of Aviation, Research/Scholarship/Design Award
- March 29, 2018, ERAU, Scholarly Speaking Award
- December 2017, College of Aviation Class Marshal, Commencement
- 2017, Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC), Special Recognition of my support and contribution at the 2017 Education and Training Symposium
- 2017, ERAU, Student Engagement, Certificate for dedication and service to the Leadership Engagement and Development (LEAD) Program, 2016 - 2017
- 2017, FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), Scottsdale Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), Certificate of Appreciation, Aviation Safety Award, 2016 - 2017
- 2017, ERAU, College of Aviation, Faculty of the Year for Research Award, 2016 - 2017
- 2017, ERAU, Department of Student Engagement, Certificate of Appreciation for contribution as Organization Advisor
- April 13, 2017, ERAU, Scholarly Speaking Award
- 2016, ERAU, College of Aviation, Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award, 2015 - 2016
- September 2016, ERAU, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contributions in UAS
- March 31, 2016, ERAU, Scholarly Speaking Award
- 2016, FAA, Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) Certificate with small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) rating
- 2014 - Present, Arizona Secretary of State, Notary Public
- 2014, Arizona Summit Law School, Dean’s List since 2012
- 2014, Arizona Summit Law School, CALI Award in Business Associations
- 2014, Arizona Summit Law School, Order of the Quill Award
- 2014, Arizona Summit Law School, Merit Scholarship recipient since 2011
- 2014, Arizona Summit Law School, Community Service (Pro Bono) Certificate
- 2013, Arizona Summit Law School, Basic Mediation Certificate
- 2013, National Conference of Bar Examiners, Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
- 2012, South Mountain High School, Over and Beyond the Call of Duty Award
- 2011, Northcentral University, College of Business and Technology Management, Dean’s List since 2007
- 2011, South Mountain High School, PBIS Staff Member of the Week Award
- 2011, South Mountain High School, Principal’s Top 3 Award
- 2008, Arizona Department of Education, Structured English Immersion K-12 Endorsement
- 2007, South Mountain High School, Teacher of the Week, Smoothie Award
- 2006, ERAU, College of Aeronautical Science, Dean’s List since 2003
- 2004, Arizona Department of Education, Standard Career & Technical Education Certificate, Business and Marketing
- 2003, ERAU, College of Professional Aeronautics, Dean’s List since 2000
- 2003-Present, FAA, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Airplane Multi-Engine Land
- 2003, FAA, Citation Ce-500 Type Rating
- 2002-Present, FAA, Basic Ground Instructor Rating
- 2002-Present, FAA, Advanced Ground Instructor Rating
- 2002-Present, FAA, Instrument Ground Instructor Rating
- 2002-Present, FAA, Gold Seal Flight Instructor Rating
- 2000-Present, FAA, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane Single-Engine Land with Instrument Rating
- 2000-Present, FAA, Certificated Flight Instructor, Airplane, Single-Engine Land
- 2000, Civil Air Patrol, Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award
- 1999, Kickfit Kickboxing Certified Instructor
- 1999, International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), Fitness Therapy certified
- 1998, American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified Aerobics Instructor
- 1998, Senior Fitness Association (SFA), Older Adult Fitness certified
- 1997, 1998, 1999, Healthcare Dimensions, Inc., Silversneakers Senior Fitness certified
- 1996, 1998, 2004, American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified Personal Trainer
- 1996, 2004, American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified Group Fitness Instructor
- 1993, Qigong Association, Malta, Level 1 Certification
- 1992, International Correspondence Schools (ICS) Learning Centers, UK, Fitness & Nutrition Diploma
- 1992, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Nunchakus/Self-Defense
- 1992, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Tonfas, Black Belt
- 1991, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Blue Sash I
- 1990, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Self-Defense/Street Fighting
- 1990, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Green Sash I & II
- 1989, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Orange Sash I & II
- 1989, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Junior Instructor
- 1989, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Yellow Sash
- 1988, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, White Sash
- 1988, Bok-Chuan Pai Kung Fu, Certificate of Merit
- 1984, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Gold Medal Ballet
- 1984, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Grade III Ballet
- 1983, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Grade II Ballet
- 1983, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Grade II Modern
- 1983, The Alison White Dance Studio, Malta, Certificate of Merit
- 1982, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Grade I Ballet
- 1982, British Theatre Dance Association, Malta, Grade I Modern