The Best the Right Seat has to Offer

The Master Instructor Program™ provides a national accreditation for aviation educators based on advanced professional standards and rigorous peer review. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, the Program “singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.” To ensure impartiality in the designation process, participation in the Program is open to qualified aviation educators regardless of their other affiliations. The Program is also FAA Wings-approved and can be used to renew unexpired flight instructor certificates. A number of designations are available to appeal to a broad spectrum of aviation educators:

• Master Certificated Flight or Ground Instructor (MCFI & MGI) — For holders of valid FAA/ICAO-issued Flight Instructor or Ground Instructor Certificates
• Master Aviation Educator (MAE) — For those working in academia, industry, government, or the private sector as aviation educators, but not necessarily holding FAA instructor certifications
• Master Instructor-Helicopter (MCFI-H) — For those who devote a majority of their instructional time to helicopters.
• Master Instructor Emeritus (MIE) — For those retiring from full-time aviation education duties, an honorary title in recognition of years of commitment to excellence in aviation education and participation in the Master Instructor Program™
• Aerobatic Instructor Designation Program™ (FI-A, CFI-A, MCFI-A) — For those providing spin, emergency maneuver, and aerobatic training

Based in Longmont, Colorado, long-time aviation educators Sandy and JoAnn Hill began development of the Master Instructor Program™ in 1995. From 1997 to 2008, the Hills administered their Program through another organization; in early 2009 however, they formed Master Instructors LLC to bring greater autonomy to the Program, while ensuring impartiality in the designation process.

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