FAQ
-----------------------
- What is a Master Instructor?
- What are the minimum eligibility requirements?
- Are there any benefits for earning Master Instructor accreditation?
- What activities can I use for credit?
- How are Master Instructor portfolios evaluated?
- Why must everything be documented?
- Where do I send my completed Master CFI and Master Ground Instructor portfolios?
- Where do I send my completed Master CFI-Aerobatic portfolio?
- What is a Master Instructor e-mail designation announcement?
- Why is a Master Instructor photo (JPEG) required?
- What happens to my Master Instructor portfolio after it's mailed?
- What happens if my portfolio isn't complete?
- How will I know I have earned Master Instructor accreditation?
- Do I really need to provide a professional reference?
- How is the current application different from the previous edition?
- Do I automatically receive CFI certificate renewal with my designation?
- Must I do additional paperwork if I desire CFI certificate renewal?
*** After reviewing more then 1300 Master Instructor applications and portfolios, we have learned that questions about the program can quickly become very complex and convoluted thereby not lending themselves to e-mail exchanges. They are handled far more quickly and efficiently on the phone. Please call 303-485-8136 ***
Q:
What
is
a
Master
Instructor?
A: The Master Instructor designation is a national
accreditation that may be earned by aviation educators and is based on
a system
of advanced professional standards as well as peer review. Master
Instructors LLC, the international
Master Instructor accrediting authority, grants the designation.
It serves a dual purpose. First, those
"Teachers of Flight" who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to
excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community
are
publicly identified and recognized. Second, the accreditation
sets
professional standards to which all aviation educators can aspire.
The designation requires a rigorous process of continuing
professional activity and, like a flight instructor certificate, must
be
renewed biennially. To promote
continuous involvement in the aviation community, designees must remain
active
and renew their designations every 24-calendar months. Unlike
one-time awards for past achievements
(i.e., a "Gold Seal" flight
instructor certificate or a local, regional, or national Flight
Instructor of
the Year), the Master Instructor designation acknowledges an
individual's continuing professional growth,
and involvement in a broad spectrum of aviation endeavors.
Q:
What
are
the
minimum
eligibility requirements?
A: Candidates for the Master Certificated Flight
Instructor (MCFI), Master Certificated Flight Instructor-Aerobatic
(MCFI-A), or
Master Ground Instructor (MGI) designation must meet the following
minimum
eligibility requirements. A candidate
must:
- subscribe to and abide by an aviation educator’s Code of Ethics;
- be of good moral character [i.e., FAR 61.153(c)];
- have Internet and email access;
- have demonstrated involvement and leadership in the aviation community;
- have held, for a minimum of 48-calendar months (4 yrs), a valid FAA/ICAO-issued Ground Instructor Certificate, if applying for a MGI designation;
- have held, for a minimum of 48-calendar months (4 yrs), a valid FAA/ICAO-issued Flight Instructor Certificate, if applying for a MCFI or MCFI-A designation or
- have held, for a minimum of 24-calendar months (2 yrs), a valid FAA-issued Flight Instructor Certificate and a Gold Seal, if applying for MCFI or MCFI-A designations;
- Board of Review may make individual rulings outside these guidelines for good cause
Q:
Are there any benefits for earning Master Instructor accreditation?
A: When you become an accredited Master Instructor, you will receive an 8"x 10" laser-engraved wooden plaque (plaque pictures) showing your name and designation along with the following:
A: When you become an accredited Master Instructor, you will receive an 8"x 10" laser-engraved wooden plaque (plaque pictures) showing your name and designation along with the following:
- Recognition by a professional aviation education organization that you have achieved a level of professionalism and excellence that far exceeds government and industry minimum standards;
- Renewal of an unexpired flight instructor certificate [FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii)]; FAA authorization letter, frameable graduation certificate.
- Renewal of Part 141 chief & assistant chief CFI credentials [FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii)];
- News releases and e-mail designation announcements; examples
- Use of Master wings logo to create special Master Instructor identity items;
- Special listings on websites;
- Invitations to all Master Instructor gatherings for the Master and a guest;
- Ability to use the accreditation as a reference source for future employment;
- Opportunity for future higher earning potential and professional advancement;
- Substantial discounts on flight instructor liability insurance.
Q: What
activities
can I use for credit?
A: All Master Instructor portfolios are reviewed in their entirety by at least two members of the Master Instructors LLC Board of Review (BoR). Listed categories on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages (both regular and aerobatic) show multiple examples of typical activities that could qualify for credit and are not intended to be all-inclusive. If the applicant's activity does not identically match any of the activities listed, the Board can review it for accreditation. Simply describe the activity on the required Activity Completion Form (ACF) and attach appropriate supporting documentation. The activity must fall within one of the five categories. Each submitted activity, whether a listed activity or a similar topic, must be accompanied by an ACF along with appropriate supporting documentation.
Candidates must accumulate a minimum of 500 hours during the 24-calendar months prior to issuance of the Master Instructor designation. The required minimum of 500 hours must meet the following criteria: A) at least 250 hours must come from at least two different EDUCATOR category activities, B) at least 30 hours from at least two different activities must come from each of the CONTINUING EDUCATION, SERVICE, MEDIA, and PARTICIPANT categories, and C) if applying for a MCFI-A designation, at least 250 hours must be aerobatic in nature. Candidates pursuing more than one designation are cautioned that each portfolio submitted must stand alone with no duplication of activities.
Q: How are Master Instructor portfolios evaluated?
A: Each portfolio is first checked for completeness and to assure that the candidate meets all eligibility requirements. Then a detailed evaluation of each submitted activity is undertaken with particular attention directed to the activity's documentation as well as inclusive dates and time spent completing the activity. Typical turnaround time for complete and properly documented portfolios is two to three weeks.
The two problems most frequently encountered are: A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) and B) missing or inadequate activity documentation. If the applicant initially does not fulfill all designation requirements or if activity documentation is not adequate, s/he is contacted and afforded an opportunity, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to either provide additional information or withdraw the application from consideration. These contacts are accomplished by telephone and e-mail. If the applicant still does not meet all requirements, the application is denied. Applicants wishing to appeal a denial must do so in writing to Master Instructors LLC within thirty (30) days.
Checking an applicant's professional references is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA and FAASTeam representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, DPEs, and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted.
Q: Why must everything be documented?
A: The FAA has approved the Master Instructor Continuing Education Program designation (Master Instructor program for short) as an alternate means to renew flight instructor certificates under FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii). Therefore, applicants are cautioned to use the 9-item checklist on the "Application Page" in order to submit complete and substantiated Master Instructor portfolios. These portfolios, as well as all paperwork generated during the review and approval process are retained by Master Instructors LLC and must be able to withstand a thorough audit - a "ramp check" - by FAA and authorized industry representatives. Applicants wishing to renew flight instructor certificates using the designation should submit complete and properly documented portfolios at least 45 days in advance of their CFI expiration date. Please call Master Instructors LLC at 303-485-8136 with any questions.
Q: Where do I send my completed Master CFI and Master Ground Instructor portfolios?
US Postal Service, FedEx or UPS:
Master Instructors LLC
1803 Signature Court
Longmont, CO 80504-2644
Phone: 303-485-8136
Q: Where do I send my completed Master CFI-Aerobatic portfolio?
US Postal Service:
Rich Stowell, MCFI-A
P O Box 190
Ventura, CA 93061-0190
Phone: 805-218-0161
Q: What is a Master Instructor e-mail designation announcement?
A: An e-mail designation announcement is sent out on behalf of all initial and renewing Masters at the time of their accreditation. That announcement is routinely sent to local FSDO representatives and other Masters in the area. In addition, you will be asked to provide a list of additional e-mail addresses, within 3 or 4 days of your accreditation, for individuals, organizations, and entities you would like to receive your announcement. Remember to include FSDO representatives, airport administration, employers, family, colleagues, former students, present students, potential students, and particularly the local media. Send your addresses in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment to the e-mail, and please limit your submission to no more than 100 addresses. To facilitate copying, pasting, and editing, each e-mail address must be enclosed in parentheses and separated from the next with a comma and a space The addresses you send should look like this:
Enclose each address in parentheses and separate each address from the next with a comma and a space,
[i.e., (Marion.C.Blakey@faa.dot.gov), (ABCondon@gmail.com), (MGarrison8@sbcglobal.net), (RBOCAS@comcast.net), (ATP1682@yahoo.com), (Paul@PackAviation.com), (HobieTW@att.net), (Greg@Soter.net), (Tim@IowaFlightTraining.com), (Rich@RichStowell.com), (Megan@DaedalusAviation.com), (CincySchab@aol.com), (UKPilot1@yahoo.com), (AV8@milwpc.com), (Drew@ColoradoSkymaster.com), (Heron.2@OSU.edu), (Liberty@mounet.com), (JelicaMatic@yahoo.com), etc].
Example MI designation announcement
Q: Why is a Master Instructor photo (JPEG) required?
A: Because the "Master Instructor Continuing Education ProgramÔ " (Master Instructor program for short) is approved by the FAA for flight instructor certificate renewal, an FAA approved training course outline (TCO) is required. A photo is a part of the approved TCO. In addition, an e-mail Master Instructor news release is sent out to individuals and media outlets both locally and nationally on behalf of all initial and renewing Masters. A JPEG image of the Master is routinely attached to that announcement. Pictures will also be posted on the www.MasterInstructors.org
Your picture(s) must:
* be aviation oriented medium resolution JPEGs showing only the Master or the Master as the picture's primary focus;
* depict the Master as a professional aviation educator in or around an aircraft, a classroom, a simulator or other instructional setting, but certainly not a "mug shot";
* show the Master professionally dressed (i.e., in a Master shirt, flight school shirt, classroom attire, etc). Please avoid hats, shorts, T-shirts, & sunglasses. Make sure you are not in close proximity to propeller blades.
Q: What happens to my Master Instructor portfolio after it's mailed?
A: The first stop for all portfolios is the Master Instructors LLC office in Longmont, Colorado. Upon arrival there, the portfolio is reviewed to determine that it contains all required components listed in the 9-item checklist at the bottom of the application page. It is then forwarded to a reviewer where a detailed evaluation of each submitted activity is undertaken with particular attention directed to the activity's documentation as well as inclusive dates and time spent completing the activities. Typical turnaround time for complete and properly documented portfolios is 2 to 3 weeks.
Q: What happens if my portfolio isn't complete?
A: The two problems most frequently encountered are: A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) and B) missing or inadequate activity documentation. If the applicant initially doesn't fulfill all accreditation requirements or if activity documentation is not adequate, s/he is contacted and afforded an opportunity, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to provide additional information. Generally, there shouldn't be any problems if the 9-item checklist at the bottom of the application page is always utilized.
Q: How will I know I have earned Master Instructor accreditation?
A: The Board of Review makes a congratulatory phone call to all initial and renewing Masters as soon as the portfolio review is completed and accreditation is granted. During that call, a checklist of informational items, some time-critical, are covered. The call generally lasts 20 to 25 minutes.
Q: Do I really need to provide a professional reference?
A: Yes! Checking an applicant's professional reference is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, local pilot examiners and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted. References are asked to describe the candidate's work as an aviation educator and are asked if the candidate is demonstrating involvement and leadership in the local aviation community.
Q: How is the current application different from the previous edition?
A: All Master Instructor activities are now quantified with hours of involvement rather than CEUs (continuing education units) as used in previous applications. This should simplify the process for applicants.
A fifth category has been added entitled “Continuing Education.l” Since the inception of the Master Instructor program in 1997, many aspects of flight education and general aviation have changed and evolved. Aviation educators should be continually updating their knowledge base and skills to meet the growing demands of twenty-first century aviation. This Continuing Education category includes formalized training and learning activities.
Q: Do I automatically receive CFI certificate renewal with my designation?
A: Not all Master Instructor designees need or want to renew their FAA CFI certificates. Applicants desiring flight instructor certificate renewal along with a Master Instructor designation have two options. They may pay an additional fee of $35 and receive a “Graduation Certificate” which they can take to an FAA representative to obtain a temporary airman (CFI) certificate. For a fee of $75, they can receive both the “Graduation Certificate” and a temporary airman (CFI) certificate from Master Instructors LLC’s Airman Certification Representative (ACR).
Q: Must I do additional paperwork if I desire CFI certificate renewal?
A: Yes, there is an additional form, “Accounting for FIRC Core Topics,” to complete in order to comply with our TCO that has been approved by the FAA under AC61-83F. Master Instructor applicants desiring to use the Master Instructors LLC Master Instructor Continuing Education ProgramÔ for CFI certificate renewal must document through a mix of activities from their Portfolio of Professional Development how all 15 FAA FIRC (AC 61-83F) “Core Subjects” have been addressed. Many Core topics can be covered by the 30 hours of activities in the Continuing Education Category. Core subjects can also be evaluated for credit from activity in the other four categories. The activity must demonstrate with appropriate supporting documentation that the applicant has learned and is well versed in the core subject. There is a page of “Examples of Qualifying Activities for the 15 Core Subjects” that provides examples of representative activities.
A: All Master Instructor portfolios are reviewed in their entirety by at least two members of the Master Instructors LLC Board of Review (BoR). Listed categories on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages (both regular and aerobatic) show multiple examples of typical activities that could qualify for credit and are not intended to be all-inclusive. If the applicant's activity does not identically match any of the activities listed, the Board can review it for accreditation. Simply describe the activity on the required Activity Completion Form (ACF) and attach appropriate supporting documentation. The activity must fall within one of the five categories. Each submitted activity, whether a listed activity or a similar topic, must be accompanied by an ACF along with appropriate supporting documentation.
Candidates must accumulate a minimum of 500 hours during the 24-calendar months prior to issuance of the Master Instructor designation. The required minimum of 500 hours must meet the following criteria: A) at least 250 hours must come from at least two different EDUCATOR category activities, B) at least 30 hours from at least two different activities must come from each of the CONTINUING EDUCATION, SERVICE, MEDIA, and PARTICIPANT categories, and C) if applying for a MCFI-A designation, at least 250 hours must be aerobatic in nature. Candidates pursuing more than one designation are cautioned that each portfolio submitted must stand alone with no duplication of activities.
Q: How are Master Instructor portfolios evaluated?
A: Each portfolio is first checked for completeness and to assure that the candidate meets all eligibility requirements. Then a detailed evaluation of each submitted activity is undertaken with particular attention directed to the activity's documentation as well as inclusive dates and time spent completing the activity. Typical turnaround time for complete and properly documented portfolios is two to three weeks.
The two problems most frequently encountered are: A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) and B) missing or inadequate activity documentation. If the applicant initially does not fulfill all designation requirements or if activity documentation is not adequate, s/he is contacted and afforded an opportunity, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to either provide additional information or withdraw the application from consideration. These contacts are accomplished by telephone and e-mail. If the applicant still does not meet all requirements, the application is denied. Applicants wishing to appeal a denial must do so in writing to Master Instructors LLC within thirty (30) days.
Checking an applicant's professional references is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA and FAASTeam representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, DPEs, and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted.
Q: Why must everything be documented?
A: The FAA has approved the Master Instructor Continuing Education Program designation (Master Instructor program for short) as an alternate means to renew flight instructor certificates under FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii). Therefore, applicants are cautioned to use the 9-item checklist on the "Application Page" in order to submit complete and substantiated Master Instructor portfolios. These portfolios, as well as all paperwork generated during the review and approval process are retained by Master Instructors LLC and must be able to withstand a thorough audit - a "ramp check" - by FAA and authorized industry representatives. Applicants wishing to renew flight instructor certificates using the designation should submit complete and properly documented portfolios at least 45 days in advance of their CFI expiration date. Please call Master Instructors LLC at 303-485-8136 with any questions.
Q: Where do I send my completed Master CFI and Master Ground Instructor portfolios?
US Postal Service, FedEx or UPS:
Master Instructors LLC
1803 Signature Court
Longmont, CO 80504-2644
Phone: 303-485-8136
Q: Where do I send my completed Master CFI-Aerobatic portfolio?
US Postal Service:
Rich Stowell, MCFI-A
P O Box 190
Ventura, CA 93061-0190
Phone: 805-218-0161
Q: What is a Master Instructor e-mail designation announcement?
A: An e-mail designation announcement is sent out on behalf of all initial and renewing Masters at the time of their accreditation. That announcement is routinely sent to local FSDO representatives and other Masters in the area. In addition, you will be asked to provide a list of additional e-mail addresses, within 3 or 4 days of your accreditation, for individuals, organizations, and entities you would like to receive your announcement. Remember to include FSDO representatives, airport administration, employers, family, colleagues, former students, present students, potential students, and particularly the local media. Send your addresses in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment to the e-mail, and please limit your submission to no more than 100 addresses. To facilitate copying, pasting, and editing, each e-mail address must be enclosed in parentheses and separated from the next with a comma and a space The addresses you send should look like this:
Enclose each address in parentheses and separate each address from the next with a comma and a space,
[i.e., (Marion.C.Blakey@faa.dot.gov), (ABCondon@gmail.com), (MGarrison8@sbcglobal.net), (RBOCAS@comcast.net), (ATP1682@yahoo.com), (Paul@PackAviation.com), (HobieTW@att.net), (Greg@Soter.net), (Tim@IowaFlightTraining.com), (Rich@RichStowell.com), (Megan@DaedalusAviation.com), (CincySchab@aol.com), (UKPilot1@yahoo.com), (AV8@milwpc.com), (Drew@ColoradoSkymaster.com), (Heron.2@OSU.edu), (Liberty@mounet.com), (JelicaMatic@yahoo.com), etc].
Example MI designation announcement
Q: Why is a Master Instructor photo (JPEG) required?
A: Because the "Master Instructor Continuing Education ProgramÔ " (Master Instructor program for short) is approved by the FAA for flight instructor certificate renewal, an FAA approved training course outline (TCO) is required. A photo is a part of the approved TCO. In addition, an e-mail Master Instructor news release is sent out to individuals and media outlets both locally and nationally on behalf of all initial and renewing Masters. A JPEG image of the Master is routinely attached to that announcement. Pictures will also be posted on the www.MasterInstructors.org
Your picture(s) must:
* be aviation oriented medium resolution JPEGs showing only the Master or the Master as the picture's primary focus;
* depict the Master as a professional aviation educator in or around an aircraft, a classroom, a simulator or other instructional setting, but certainly not a "mug shot";
* show the Master professionally dressed (i.e., in a Master shirt, flight school shirt, classroom attire, etc). Please avoid hats, shorts, T-shirts, & sunglasses. Make sure you are not in close proximity to propeller blades.
Q: What happens to my Master Instructor portfolio after it's mailed?
A: The first stop for all portfolios is the Master Instructors LLC office in Longmont, Colorado. Upon arrival there, the portfolio is reviewed to determine that it contains all required components listed in the 9-item checklist at the bottom of the application page. It is then forwarded to a reviewer where a detailed evaluation of each submitted activity is undertaken with particular attention directed to the activity's documentation as well as inclusive dates and time spent completing the activities. Typical turnaround time for complete and properly documented portfolios is 2 to 3 weeks.
Q: What happens if my portfolio isn't complete?
A: The two problems most frequently encountered are: A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) and B) missing or inadequate activity documentation. If the applicant initially doesn't fulfill all accreditation requirements or if activity documentation is not adequate, s/he is contacted and afforded an opportunity, not to exceed thirty (30) days, to provide additional information. Generally, there shouldn't be any problems if the 9-item checklist at the bottom of the application page is always utilized.
Q: How will I know I have earned Master Instructor accreditation?
A: The Board of Review makes a congratulatory phone call to all initial and renewing Masters as soon as the portfolio review is completed and accreditation is granted. During that call, a checklist of informational items, some time-critical, are covered. The call generally lasts 20 to 25 minutes.
Q: Do I really need to provide a professional reference?
A: Yes! Checking an applicant's professional reference is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, local pilot examiners and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted. References are asked to describe the candidate's work as an aviation educator and are asked if the candidate is demonstrating involvement and leadership in the local aviation community.
Q: How is the current application different from the previous edition?
A: All Master Instructor activities are now quantified with hours of involvement rather than CEUs (continuing education units) as used in previous applications. This should simplify the process for applicants.
A fifth category has been added entitled “Continuing Education.l” Since the inception of the Master Instructor program in 1997, many aspects of flight education and general aviation have changed and evolved. Aviation educators should be continually updating their knowledge base and skills to meet the growing demands of twenty-first century aviation. This Continuing Education category includes formalized training and learning activities.
Q: Do I automatically receive CFI certificate renewal with my designation?
A: Not all Master Instructor designees need or want to renew their FAA CFI certificates. Applicants desiring flight instructor certificate renewal along with a Master Instructor designation have two options. They may pay an additional fee of $35 and receive a “Graduation Certificate” which they can take to an FAA representative to obtain a temporary airman (CFI) certificate. For a fee of $75, they can receive both the “Graduation Certificate” and a temporary airman (CFI) certificate from Master Instructors LLC’s Airman Certification Representative (ACR).
Q: Must I do additional paperwork if I desire CFI certificate renewal?
A: Yes, there is an additional form, “Accounting for FIRC Core Topics,” to complete in order to comply with our TCO that has been approved by the FAA under AC61-83F. Master Instructor applicants desiring to use the Master Instructors LLC Master Instructor Continuing Education ProgramÔ for CFI certificate renewal must document through a mix of activities from their Portfolio of Professional Development how all 15 FAA FIRC (AC 61-83F) “Core Subjects” have been addressed. Many Core topics can be covered by the 30 hours of activities in the Continuing Education Category. Core subjects can also be evaluated for credit from activity in the other four categories. The activity must demonstrate with appropriate supporting documentation that the applicant has learned and is well versed in the core subject. There is a page of “Examples of Qualifying Activities for the 15 Core Subjects” that provides examples of representative activities.