Leo Garcia
- Title
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Leonardo.Garcia1@erau.edu Email
- Department
- Department of Applied Aerospace Science
- College
- College of Aviation
Office Hours
0830 AM to 0400 PMBiography
Officer (Ret.) Leonardo Garcia brings more than 22 years of combined experience in aviation flight operations and federal law enforcement. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology from Everglades University and a Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Operations with dual specializations in Human Factors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Garcia accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours in commercial passenger aircraft on domestic and international routes. He holds multiple aviation certifications issued under Federal Aviation Administration and International Civil Aviation Organization standards, including Commercial Pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings, Flight Engineer, Flight Dispatcher and Advanced Ground Instructor.
A graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, Georgia, Garcia served in a variety of federal law enforcement roles. His assignments included Liaison Watch Officer for airspace security at the Department of Homeland Security National Capital Region Coordination Center in Washington, DC. He supported airspace security operations for high-profile national events including presidential inaugurations, State of the Union addresses and the 2015 Papal Joint Session of Congress, as well as continuity of operations and government relocation missions.
Most recently, Garcia served as the lead agency officer responsible for investigating uncrewed aircraft system activity within the National Capital Region and other incidents involving illegal uncrewed aircraft operations that posed potential national security threats. He also served as a Master Instructor with the Unmanned Safety Institute, where he developed and delivered training on uncrewed aircraft operations and law enforcement response within the National Airspace System.
Garcia is an aviation enthusiast and the father of two children. He resides in the Palm Bay, Florida area.
Education
- M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Operations and Human Factors Aviation Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology, Everglades University