Daniela Tzvetanova Kratchounova

Daniela was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1963. She graduated from the Technical University of Sofia (formerly Higher Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering) with a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering. Daniela was fascinated with aviation and this passion led her across the Atlantic Ocean to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where she continued her education and earned a Masters of Science in Human Factors and Systems Engineering. While working and raising two kids, Daniela also acquired a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Experimental Human Factors Psychology at the University of Central Florida. Daniela Kratchounova’s career spanned over three decades. Her expertise contributed to countless human factors research studies on aviation weather reporting, advanced flight deck vision systems, heads-up and heads-down displays, multimodal flight deck controls, and future flight deck design philosophies. Her contributions in these areas helped advance FAA human factors policy, guidance, and safety standards. Her resume included positions at Flight Safety International, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Honeywell Aerospace – Advanced Technology Europe, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) and Joby Aviation. Daniela also held an FAA Private Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Single Engine Land rating. Until her last day, Daniela Kratchounova was filled with wonder about the human potential in flight.

Daniela loved gardening, her favorite flowers were peonies. She loved painting, photography, drawing and sewing. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is survived by her children, Elitza Ivanova and Kaloyan Ivanov, and her two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Daniela Kratchounova “Kite” scholarship at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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