Hyland was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, but his family moved to the U.S. in 1899, where he was raised in Massachusetts.

While at NRL he first demonstrated the reflection of radio waves from aircraft, and also made other contributions to the development of doppler radar.

Under Hyland's guidance, Hughes Aircraft continued to diversify and become immensely profitable.

Hyland retired from active service in 1980, but he retained close contact with the company until his death.

Some of Hyland's honors and awards include: Hyland's autobiography, Call Me Pat: The Autobiography of the Man Howard Hughes Chose to Lead Hughes Aircraft, was published posthumously in 1994.