Riadel Manzano is an aircraft mechanic based in East Williston, New York, with over a decade of experience in aviation maintenance. After graduating from W. T. Clarke High School, she earned her degree from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, becoming a certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician. Riadel works for a major airline at LaGuardia Airport, where she specializes in engine diagnostics, avionics troubleshooting, and airframe repairs. She is also a strong advocate for diversity in aviation, mentoring young women and collaborating with local organizations to promote STEM careers. When she’s not ensuring the safety of aircraft, Riadel Manzano enjoys exploring Long Island’s parks, spending time with family, and building model airplanes.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is about making an impact, both in my field and in my community. It’s not just about fixing planes—it’s about knowing that every aircraft I sign off on is safe for the people on board. Beyond that, success is helping other women see that they belong in aviation too. When I mentor young women and watch them realize their potential, that feels like success to me.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every day starts early, usually before sunrise. I like to get a jump on things, reviewing maintenance logs and planning out the day’s tasks. At the hangar, no two days are the same—one day it’s an engine diagnostic, the next it’s troubleshooting avionics. Staying productive is all about organization and being ready to adapt when things don’t go as planned. I rely on checklists and a lot of coffee.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’m a big believer in hands-on problem-solving. In aviation, theory is important, but practice is everything. When I come up with an idea, whether it’s a new way to streamline maintenance checks or something for a workshop I’m planning, I test it out right away. I also lean on my team for feedback—they’ve seen and done it all, and their input is invaluable.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift towards more sustainable aviation technology is really exciting. Seeing major airlines invest in electric and hybrid aircraft is a big deal. The idea that we could reduce emissions and make air travel more eco-friendly is something I definitely want to be part of.
What is one habit that helps you stay productive?
I keep a maintenance journal, not just for work but for my own growth. I jot down notes about challenges I faced, how I solved them, and what I could’ve done differently. It’s a habit I picked up in school, and it helps me track progress and avoid making the same mistake twice.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take up space. When I was starting out, I was so focused on proving myself that I sometimes held back. I’d tell my younger self to speak up more, to trust that she has valuable ideas to share—even if she’s the only woman in the room.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on.
I think hands-on experience should count as much as a degree, if not more. Don’t get me wrong, my education was crucial, but I’ve seen some of the best mechanics come up through apprenticeships and sheer grit. In a field like ours, what you can do is more important than what’s on paper.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I take walks during breaks. It sounds simple, but stepping outside the hangar, even for ten minutes, clears my head. It’s a way to reset when I’ve been staring at the same problem for too long.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go back to basics. I’ll pull out a checklist or focus on a small, manageable task. It helps rebuild momentum. And if I’m really stuck, I’ll step away and work on one of my model airplanes at home. It’s a way to unwind and still feel connected to what I love.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow in your career?
Mentorship, both giving and receiving it. Early in my career, I had a mentor who taught me the ropes and helped me navigate a lot of challenges. Now, mentoring others keeps me sharp and reminds me why I started in this field.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I misdiagnosed an electrical issue on a plane. It wasn’t dangerous, but it delayed a flight, and I felt terrible. I owned up to it right away and used it as a learning experience. The lesson? Admit mistakes quickly, learn from them, and don’t make the same one twice.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that connects aviation students with certified A&P technicians for virtual mentorship sessions. There’s a big knowledge gap in this field, and something like that could help bridge it.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive?
I use a maintenance tracking app that helps organize work orders and logs. It’s straightforward but makes a big difference when you’re juggling multiple tasks and need to pull up information fast.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I bought a new set of precision screwdrivers for my model airplanes. It might sound trivial, but having the right tools makes all the difference—whether I’m working on a Cessna or a tiny model.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Skunk Works” by Ben Rich. It’s about the secret projects at Lockheed Martin and the kind of problem-solving that went into them. I love how it captures the mix of engineering and creativity that aviation requires.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I just watched “The Aeronauts.” The science isn’t all accurate, but I loved the spirit of exploration and pushing limits. It’s a reminder of why I got into aviation in the first place.