Linda Scully

Linda Scully, age 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Kinnelon, NJ, on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Her loss was unexpected, and her family is deeply saddened.

She is preceded in death by her father, William, and mother, Mary Scully. Linda was the caretaker for both her mother, Mary, and her aunt Helen. Linda was a loving, gentle, and kind daughter, sister, niece, and colleague.

She was loved, and will be missed by many: including her neighbors, those in the aviation community, but most especially by her family.

Linda, earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in business administration from the College of St. Elizabeth (where she glimpsed planes at nearby Morristown Airport), Linda’s first career opportunity was as an accountant in Princeton, NJ.

On weekend excursions Linda would drive by a “Learn to Fly” sign. This began her interest in flying. A $10 introductory flight at Robbinsville Airport was her next step. When the flight was over, she signed up for lessons! Linda earned her private pilot certificate in 1981. By 1983 she added her instrument rating and commercial, CFI and CFII certificates. She started instructing at Robbinsville.

In 1991, Linda affiliated with the Ninety-Nines (99s) and took up aerobatic flying. Soon after, she bought a Cessna Aerobat, incorporated Aero Safety Training, Ltd., and began teaching spin awareness, basic aerobatics and tailwheel transition courses. This led to the merging of the two flight schools, Aero Safety Training and Lincoln Park Aviation under her ownership. Thirty years later, Aero Safety continues to provide flight training under her leadership. Recently Linda expanded her fleet to include 2 LSA Pipestral Aircraft to become the only school in New Jersey that offers sport pilot certification.

With help from the esteemed Ninety-Nines’ Amelia Earhart Scholarship, she earned her ATP rating in 1995. In 1999, Linda was the first instructor in the state of New Jersey to earn the designation of Master Instructor. Linda has served as an FAA safety counselor and is currently a FAASTeam representative. In 2009 Linda was named the Instructor of the Year for the Teterboro FSDO. She served as governor of the New York-New Jersey Section of the Ninety-Nines, NJ Chapter Chair, and is a past president of the Lincoln Park Pilots Association.

In 1994, 1995, 2003 and 2004 Linda competed in the Air Race Classic, an all-women 2400 mile cross-country air race. In February 2010, Linda competed in a nationwide competition sponsored by American Express and Count Me In called “Make Mine a Million Dollar Business.” She was selected as one of 10 winners.

Linda was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Pilots Association (MAPA); National Association of Flight Instructors, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA),Chapter 501; IMC Program mentor, and the Flight School Association of North America. She has been a continuous member of the Ninety-Nines since 1991, serving in every board position in the NJ Chapter and numerous leadership positions in the NY-NJ 99s Section, including Council of Governors’s Spokesperson.

Instructing and teaching was Linda’s passion. Being the owner of “NYC metro’s friendliest flight school”, Linda volunteered her time to provide free knowledge sessions for 7-12th graders on the first Saturday of every month. Each year she organized AeroCamp Basic, a day camp program designed to give young people a unique opportunity to explore the world of aviation and every camper was given the opportunity to fly an aircraft.

AeroSafety Training was the hub of northern NJ general aviation: Linda hosted NJ99s Chapter meetings, EAA meetings, flight instructors meetings, IMC Programs and safety seminars for pilots and students.

Linda is survive by her brother Mark Scully, a retired real estate appraiser, who now resides in Venice, Florida.

Visitation will be Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 2:00pm-6:00pm at the Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ. Final Disposition will be Private.