Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 17 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs (see: http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/).  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during April are:

Dario COSTA

Dario COSTA, Master CFI-Aerobatic
Bologna, Italy
E-mail:  Costa_80@hotmail.it

Dario Costa, a 1st-time Master as well as an IAC and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.

Dario is an aerobatic and instrument flight instructor with Aero Club Milano (http://www.AeroclubMilano.It/) at Bresso Airport.

He also organizes recreational aerobatic contests and coaches competitors in preparation for aerobatic competitions.

G Alexander "Sandy" HILL

G Alexander “Sandy” HILL, Master Instructor Emeritus
Longmont  CO
E-mail:   MasterInstrs@aol.com

Alexander Hill, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.

Sandy is the co-creator and administrator of the Master Instructor program.

He also serves as a national FAASTeam representative and is the communications director for the General Aviation Awards program (http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/).

Christopher John "Chris" HOPE

Christopher John “Chris” HOPE, Master CFI
Kansas City  MO
E-mail:   TheHopes-Chris@KC.rr.com

Christopher J Hope, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Chris is an independent flight instructor (http://www.ChrisHopeFAAFlightInstructor.com/) specializing in primary and instrument training at Lee’s Summit (LXT) and Johnson County Executive (OJC) airports.

He also serves as a volunteer Angel Flight pilot and is a FAASTeam Representative in the FAA’s Kansas City FSDO area.

Daniel Max "Dan" KEEN

Daniel Max “Dan” KEEN, Master CFI
Lafayette  IN
E-mail:   DanielKeen@aol.com

Daniel M Keen, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Dan is an aviation safety inspector (ASI) and safety officer with the FAA’s Indianapolis FSDO where he specializes in aviator practical tests.

He also assists with the FSDO’s FAASTeam activities and is a longtime volunteer in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA).

David Allen KOEHN

David Allen KOEHN, Master CFI & Master Ground Instructor
Tulsa  OK
E-mail:  David@DestinationsEFC.com, FFAV8@sbcglobal.net

David Koehn, a 5-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI and earned his initial Master Ground Instructor (MGI) accreditation.

David is the co-owner Destinations Executive Flight Center ( DestinationsEFC.com ) and co-founder of Fast Forward Aviation at Tulsa’s Riverside Airport (RVS).

He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Oklahoma City FSDO area.

John Urban "Rock" ROCKCASTLE

John Urban “Rock” ROCKCASTLE, Master CFI
Oxford  FL
E-mail:   Rancher@digital.net

John U Rockcastle, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Rock is a simulator instructor with Simcom in Orlando and serves on the production crew at the FAA’s National Resource Center in Lakeland.

An Orlando FAASTeam representative and a recent recipient of the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot award, he was also the 1989 Nat’l CFI of the Year.

Col Charles Arthur "Charlie" SKELTON

Col Charles Arthur “Charlie” SKELTON, Master CFI
Branford  CT
E-mail:  RBOCAS@comcast.net

Col Charles A Skelton (USMC, Ret), a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Charlie is the chief pilot for CAS Aviation and president of Yale Aviation, a flying club at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN).

Additionally, he is a recent recipient of the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Windsor Locks FSDO area.

Kyle Vincent THOMAS

Kyle Vincent THOMAS, Master CFI
Durant  OK
E-mail:  KThomas@SE.edu

Kyle V Thomas, a 4-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Kyle is an aviation professor and chief flight instructor with Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s aviation institute ( http://Aviation.SE.edu/ ) at Eaker Field (DUA).

He is also a coach for the university’s NIFA flight team as well as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Oklahoma City FSDO area.

Ludwig Joseph "Lou" WIPOTNIK

Ludwig Joseph “Lou” WIPOTNIK, Master CFI
Mount Prospect  IL
E-mail:  Jan.Lou@comcast.net

Lou Wipotnik, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.

Lou is an independent Chicago-area flight instructor who also teaches with Leading Edge Flying Club at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK).

The 1996 National CFI of the Year, he is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s DuPage FSDO area and serves in the CAP’s Illinois Wing.

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 17 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs (see: http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/).  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during March are:

Matthew Alan "Matt" WISE

Matthew Alan “Matt” WISE, Master CFI
Tulsa  OK
E-mail:   MWise@TulsaCC.edu

Matthew A Wise, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Matt is the chief flight instructor and director of Tulsa Community College’s Part 141 aviation program (http://www.TulsaCC.edu/23649/) at Riverside Airport (RVS).

He also serves on the University Aviation Association’s board and is a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Oklahoma City FSDO area.

Michael Keith LEIGHTON

Michael Keith LEIGHTON, Master CFI
Boynton Beach  FL
E-mail:   MKLeighton@comcast.net

Michael K Leighton, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Michael is the director of operations with Griswold Air Services at Palm Beach County Park Airport (LNA) where he specializes in multiengine and turbine transition training.

He is also the owner and operator of Aviation Partners of Boynton Beach.

Harry William KRAEMER

Harry William KRAEMER, Master CFI
Germantown  MD
E-mail:  Harry@Flymall.org

Harry Kraemer, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Harry is the CEO and president of Kraemer Aviation Services (http://Flymall.org/), a flight training operation located at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK).

He specializes in class cockpit, turbine, and complex aircraft training as well as aircraft checkouts.

Lonnie Lee HILKEMEIER

Lonnie Lee HILKEMEIER, Master CFI
Boulder  CO
E-mail:   Lonnie@SpecialtyFlight.com

Lonnie L Hilkemeier, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  A mentor to new CFIs, Lonnie is the senior flight instructor and president of Specialty Flight Training (http://www.SpecialtyFlight.com/), a Cessna Pilot Center at Boulder Airport (BDU).

Colorado’s first Master Instructor, he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area.

William Jeffrey "Jeff" EDWARDS

William Jeffrey “Jeff” EDWARDS, Master Instructor Emeritus
Chesterfield  MO
E-mail:   VTailJeff@aol.com

Jeffrey Edwards, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  Jeff is a consulting aircraft accident investigator and president of AvSafe (www.AvSafe.com).

He is also the president of the Lancair Owners & Builders Organization and a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s St Louis FSDO area.

David DEMPSEY

David DEMPSEY, Master Instructor Emeritus
New York  NY
E-mail:   DempseyNYC@gmail.com

David Dempsey, a 6-time Master CFI and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  David is an independent CFI specializing in glass cockpit transitions at Westchester County (HPN) and Essex County (CDW) airports.

He is also the founder of the New York City-area Master Instructors organization.

Parvez DARA

Parvez DARA, Master CFI
Toms River  NJ
E-mail: ParvezDara@gmail.com

Parvez Dara, a 4-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Parvez is a Mooney Pilot Proficiency instructor as well as a board member and past president of the MAPA Safety Foundation ( www.MAPASafety.com ).

He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Philadelphia FSDO area.

Philip Terry "Phil" CORBELL

Philip Terry “Phil” CORBELL, Master CFI
Sun City West  AZ
E-mail: USAPilot@cox.net

Philip T Corbell, a 6-time Master CFI and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Phil is an independent Phoenix-area glider instructor who also represents the glider and balloon communities in numerous safety organizations.

He also serves with the AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) and is a FAASTeam lead representative in the Scottsdale FSDO area.

Dario COSTA

Dario COSTA, Master CFI-Aerobatic
Bologna, Italy
E-mail:  Costa_80@hotmail.it

Dario Costa, a 1st-time Master as well as an IAC and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Dario is an aerobatic and instrument flight instructor with Aero Club Milano (http://www.AeroclubMilano.It/) at Bresso Airport.

He also organizes recreational aerobatic contests and coaches competitors in preparation for aerobatic competitions.

Gary Alan CARTER

Gary Alan CARTER, Master CFI (Initial:  1Mar12)
DeLand  FL
E-mail:  CarterJump@aol.com

Gary Carter, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earn his Master CFI accreditation.  Gary is a training manager at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and also works with Avia IFR Training Centers ( http://www.Avia-IFR.com/index.cfm ) at Florida’s Flagler County Airport (XFL).

Additionally, he serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Orlando FSDO area.

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 17 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during February are:

John Kent EARLYWINE, Master CFI
Fort Wayne  IN
E-mail:   JKE4034@aol.com
John K Earlywine, a 6-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  John is Central Indiana Soaring Society’s lead flight instructor at Alexandria Airport (I99).  The holder of an SAA Silver Badge as well as three Indiana soaring records, and serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s South Bend FSDO area.

Lloyd John “Buddy” EVANS, Master Aviation Educator
Irving  TX
E-mail:  Buddy.Evans@SafetyOfFlight.com, Marow09@yahoo.com
Lloyd J Evans, a 1st-time Master and a SAFE member, recently earned his Master Aviation Educator (MAE) accreditation.   Buddy is an airframe & powerplant technician (A&P) with inspection authorization (IA) who specializes in maintenance training and IA renewals.  He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Fort Worth FSDO area.

Lonnie Lee HILKEMEIER, Master CFI
Boulder  CO
E-mail:   Lonnie@SpecialtyFlight.com
Lonnie L Hilkemeier, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  A mentor to new CFIs, Lonnie is the senior flight instructor and president of Specialty Flight Training (http://www.SpecialtyFlight.com/), a Cessna Pilot Center at Boulder Airport (BDU).  Colorado’s first Master Instructor, he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area.

JoAnn K HILL, Master Instructor Emeritus
Longmont  CO
E-mail:  TwoHillsAviation@aol.com
JoAnn K Hill, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of her many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  JoAnn is the co-creator and an administrator of the Master Instructor program.  She also serves as a national FAASTeam representative and is the national chairperson of the General Aviation Awards program.

William Scott O’BRIEN, Master CFI
Tallahassee  FL
E-mail:   ScottOB37@gmail.com
Scott O’Brien, a 4-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Scott is an attorney as well as an independent flight instructor who specializes in primary and instrument flight training at Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH).  He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Tampa FSDO area.

Michael Louis PHILLIPS, Master CFI (Renew:  1Feb12)
Ventura  CA
E-mail:   MCFIMLP@gmail.com
Michael L Phillips, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Michael is a flight and ground instructor with CP Aviation ( www.CPAviation.com ), a Cessna Pilot Center at Santa Paula Airport (SZP).  A Marine Corps veteran, he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Van Nuys FSDO area.

Eric Joseph SHAPPEE, Master CFI
Salina  KS
E-mail:   Wjfpmd@KSU.edu, ShappeeKSU@gmail.com
Eric J Shappee, a 6-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Eric is a Kansas State University College of Technology and Aviation (http://www.Salina.K-State.edu/Aviation ) associate professor at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN).  The vice commander of the Civil Air Patrol’s Kansas Wing, he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Wichita FSDO area.

Stewart Douglas “Doug” STEWART, Master CFI
South Egremont  MA
E-mail:   Doug@DSFlight.com
Douglas Stewart, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Doug operates Doug Stewart Flight Instruction (http://www.DSFlight.com/) and is the executive director of SAFE, the Society of Aviation & Flight Educators (http://SafePilots.us/).  The 2004 Nat’l CFI of the Year, he also serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam rep in the FAA’s Albany FSDO area. 

John Wesley “Jack” VANDEVENTER, Master CFI
Zionsville  IN
E-mail:   Jack@MasterInstruction.com
John W Vandeventer, a 4-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Jack is an independent CFI who instructs with Eagle Flyers (http://www.MontgomeryAviation.net/index.php/Eagle-Flyers/) at Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ) where he specializes in primary, instrument, LSA, and tailwheel training.  He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Indianapolis FSDO area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” Hill, MCFI-Es
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during January are:

James Leighton “Jim” STOVER, Master CFI
Fredericksburg  VA
E-mail:   StoverJL@cox.net
James L Stover, a 6-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Jim is the chief CFI and owner of JLS Aviation (www.JLSAviation.info), a Part 141 flight school at Shannon Airport (EZF) where he specializes in primary and instrument flight training.  A retired Army veteran, he also serves as a representative of AOPA’s Airport Survelance Network and mentors new flight instructors.

Beverly Jean RUNNER, Master CFI
Lakeside  CA
E-mail:   HWRunner@earthlink.net
Jean Runner, a 5-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Jean is an independent flight instructor at El Cajon’s Gillespie Field (SEE).  She also serves as a judge for the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Flying Association (PCIFA) and is a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s San Diego FSDO area.

Robert Kloman “Bob” GAWLER, Master CFI
Bethesda  MD
E-mail:   TreborAV8@gmail.com
Robert K Gawler, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Bob is an independent flight instructor (http://TreborAV8.com/TreborAV8/Welcome.html) as well as a pilot examiner (DPE) at Gaithersburg Montgomery County Airpark (GAI).  He also works with the Civil Air Patrol and serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Baltimore FSDO area.

Thomas Monroe “Tom” EVANS, Master CFI
Tampa  FL
E-mail:   WorldwideOptical@att.net
Thomas M Evans, a 6-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Tom is a flight and ground instructor with Atlas Aviation (www.AtlasAviationInc.com ), a Cessna Pilot Center at Tampa’s Peter O Knight Field (TPF).  He also serves as president of the Florida Association of Flight Instructors and is a FAASTeam rep in the FAA’s Tampa FSDO area.

Troy Dale BROCKWAY, Master CFI
Salina  KS
E-mail:   TroyB@KSU.edu
Troy D Brockway, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Troy is an associate professor as well as assistant chief flight instructor for Kansas State University’s College of Technology and Aviation (http://www.Salina.K-State.edu/Aviation ) at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN).  He specializes in flight instructor training and is also a volunteer Young Eagles pilot.

Cleon Joseph BITER, Master Instructor Emeritus
Longmont  CO
E-mail:  CJBiter@gmail.com
Cleon J Biter, a 7-time Master CFI and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  An American Meteorological Society certified consulting meteorologist, Cleon is also a flight instructor with Air West Flight Center at Vance Brand Airport (LMO).  Additionally, he serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area.

Allen “Al” BANEN, Master CFI
Fountain Hills  AZ
E-mail: BaronInstructor@aol.com
Al Banen, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Al is an independent Phoenix-area flight and ground instructor specializing in Bonanza, Baron, and Duke recurrent training.  A holder of the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot award, he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the Scottsdale FSDO area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

The National General Aviation Awards Committee takes great pride in announcing this year’s regional General Aviation Awards winners.  They are all finalists for the national awards.  The mission of the General Aviation Awards program is to recognize individual aviation professionals on the local, regional, and national levels for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety.  The national judging is currently underway and national winners will be announced not later than March 1st.

The GA Awards program is a cooperative effort between more than 17 general aviation industry sponsors and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“These awards highlight the important role played by these individuals in promoting aviation education and flight safety,” said JoAnn Hill, General Aviation Awards Committee chair.  “The awards program sponsors and supporters are pleased that these outstanding aviation professionals are receiving the recognition they so richly deserve.”

This year’s regional winners are:

2012 Regional Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) of the Year

Patrick Michael “Pat” Carey of Redondo Beach, California represents the Los Angeles FSDO and the Western Pacific Region.  He works for Security Aviation in Hawthorne, California  (Pat00343@aol.com).

Jack Lynn Haun of Port Orange, Florida was recognized by the Orlando FSDO and the Southern Region.  Jack is employed by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s maintenance center in Daytona Beach (HaunJ@ERAU.edu).

Robert Lee Hensley lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and represents the Oklahoma City FSDO as well as the Southwest Region.  Robert works at Metro Technology Aviation Career Center and owns H & H Aircraft Maintenance (Robert.Hensley@MetroTech.edu)

Marvin Hornbostel lives and works in Junction City, Kansas.  Marvin represents the Wichita FSDO and the Central Region.  He owns Raven Aero Services   (RavenAS@flinthills.com).

Jacob Rama “Jake” Milstein from Boulder, Colorado represents the Denver FSDO and Northwest Mountain Region.  Jake is employed by Redstone College in Broomfield and owns Lila Aviation is Boulder. (Tele.Skiing@gmail.com)

Steven Nelson “Steve” Skinner from Northfield, Vermont represents the Portland, Maine FSDO and the Eastern Region.  Steve works for Vermont Flying Services in Barre, Vermont (SNSMiniMansion@hotmail.com).

Janese Valerie Thatcher-Buzzell lives in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.  She represents the Minneapolis FSDO and the Great Lakes Region.  Janese is employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Saint Paul  (JVThatcher@gmail.com)

2012 Regional Avionics Technicians of the Year

John Tildon Austin Jr of Honolulu, Hawaii represents the Honolulu FSDO and the Western Pacific Region.  John is an avionics technician and repairman for Honolulu’s Island Air  (To_JohnnyT@yahoo.com).

William David “Bill” Betts is from Smithfield, North Carolina and represented the Greensboro FSDO as well as the Eastern Region.  Bill is president and co-owner of Sparkchasers Aircraft Services (Sparkchasers@mindspring.com).

James Andrew “Jim” Lightfoot, Sr is from Milliken, Colorado.  Jim represents the Denver FSDO and the Northwest Mountain Region.  He works as an avionics / maintenance technician, designated maintenance examiner, and master instructor at Redstone College in Broomfield  (SJLightfoot1@aol.com).

Eric Christopher “Rick” Ochs of Gahanna, Ohio represents the Columbus FSDO and the Great Lakes Region.  Chris is president and chief inspector for Spirit Avionics in Columbus (Rick@SpiritAvionics.com).

2012 Regional Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs) of the Year

Lambert Charles “Bert” Mackentepe of Cullman, Alabama represents the Birmingham FSDO and the Southern Region.  Bert is the Aviation Department Chair at Wallace State Community College Flight School (BertMackentepe@hotmail.com).

MCFI Lynnwood Karl “Woody” Minar of Dresser, Wisconsin represents the Minneapolis FSDO and the Great Lakes Region.  A 3-time Master, Woody is an independent contractor at Osceola Aerosport (Woody.Minar@CenturyTel.net).

Dave William Pressy of Saint Louis, Missouri represents the Saint Louis FSDO and the Central Region.  Dave is chief flight instructor at the Saint Charles Flying Service in Portage Des Sioux (DaveWPressy@gmail.com).

Robert Lindsay “Bob” Stedman of Parker, Colorado represents the Denver FSDO and the Northwest Mountain Region.  Bob is the owner of Independence Aviation at Centennial Airport (BobStedman@IA-KAPA.com).

MCFI Hobart Caleb “Hobie” Tomlinson of Huntington, Vermont represents the Portland, Maine FSDO and the Eastern Region.  Hobie, a 5-time Master CFI, is a flight instructor and designated pilot examiner (DPE) at Heritage Aviation in South Burlington (HobieTW@att.net).

Christopher Charles ‘Chris” Webb from Garland, Texas represents the Dallas FSDO and the Southwest Region.  Chris is chief flight instructor at American Flyers in Addison  (ChrisCWebb@hotmail.com).

Donna Marie Webster of Bakersfield, California represents the Fresno FSDO and the Western Pacific Region.  Donna is a DPE and instructs for Lloyd’s Aviation in Bakersfield (ADF332@yahoo.com).

2012 Regional FAASTeam Representatives of the Year

Mark Alan “Mordechai” Levin of Richmond, Illinois is the DuPage FSDO and Great Lakes Region Representative of the Year.  A former 2-time Master CFI, Mordechai is employed by the Masterflight Foundation (MordechaiLevin@hotmail.com).

Richard Lawrence “Rich” Martindell of San Diego, California represents the San Diego FSDO and the Western Pacific Region.  Rich works with King Schools (Rich.Martindell@earthlink.net, RMart@KingSchools.com).

Betty Grace Meyer of Clanton, Alabama represents the Birmingham FSDO and the Southern Region.  Betty owns and operates the Alabama Aviator, an aviation news source for Alabama’s aviation industry, and volunteers at the FAA Production Studios in Lakeland (BMeyer@AlabamaAviator.com, BMeyer5114@Charter.net).

MCFI Megan Roberta Sayre of Bennett, Colorado was selected by the Denver FSDO and the Northwest Mountain Region.  Megan is a 2-time Master and an adjunct instructor at Denver’s Metropolitan State College as well as a flight and ground instructor at Alliance Flight Training in Watkins.  (SayreMegan@ymail.com).

Arthur Robert “Art” Tarola of Kutztown, Pennsylvania is the Allentown FSDO and the Eastern Region winner.  Art operates AB Flight LLC providing flight instruction, DPE services, and aircraft sales in support of the experimental amateur built and light sport communities (ArtAirSports@aol.com, Art@ABFlight.com).
Harry Lee Weatherford of Mustang, Oklahoma was selected by the Oklahoma City FSDO and the Southwest Region.  Harry is a flight, ground, and simulator instructor who owns Precision Flight LLC (Weatherfordco@aol.com).

Jeanne Carole Willerth from Lee’s Summit, Missouri is the Kansas City FSDO and Central Region winner.  Jeanne is a flight and ground instructor at Air Associates of Kansas, a Cessna Pilot Center in Olathe, Kansas  (Willerth1@zcomcast.net).

Support and sponsorship for the General Aviation Awards program is provided by Women in Aviation International (WAI), the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), the Professional Aviation Maintenance Ass’n (PAMA), the National Business Aviation Ass’n (NBAA), the National Ass’n of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), the National Air Transportation Ass’n (NATA), the Ninety-Nines International (The 99s), the General Aviation Manufacturers Ass’n (GAMA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Experimental Aircraft Ass’n (EAA), the Aircraft Maintenance Technology Society (AMT Society), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Ass’n (AOPA), and the Aeronautical Repair Station Ass’n (ARSA).

Additional support is being provided by Advocates for Aviation Safety Foundation (AFASF), Aeronautical Proficiency Training LLC (AVTrain), Master Instructors LLC (MI LLC), National Aviation Safety Foundation (NASF), Rich Stowell Consulting (RichStowell.com), Flight School Association of North America (FSANA), Aviation Training Consultants (ATC), and Glenna Blackwell’s photography.

Industry donors include Garmin, Jeppesen, King Schools, Rod Machado, Belvoir Media Group, Bose, ASA, Duncan Aviation, Gleim Publications, Gulfstream Aerospace, Cessna, and Universal Avionics.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” Hill, Communications Director
GA Awards Program
Office: 303-485-8136  /  C: 303-475-6008
GenAviationAwds@aol.com
http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/

“GA Awards:  FAA & Industry Recognizing Excellence”

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs (see: http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/).  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during December are:

Richard William “Rich” BARCLAY, Master CFI (Renew:  30Nov11)
Elbert  CO
E-mail:   FFRichDana@msn.com
Richard W Barclay, a 3-time Master, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Rich is a flight and ground instructor as well as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) with Independence Aviation ( http://IA-KAPA.com/ ) at Centennial Airport (APA).  He specializes in Cirrus, Diamond, and other technically advanced aircraft training.

Cleon Joseph BITER, Master Instructor Emeritus (1Dec11)
Longmont  CO
E-mail:  CJBiter@gmail.com
Cleon J Biter, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  An American Meteorological Society certified consulting meteorologist, Cleon is also a flight instructor with Air West Flight Center at Vance Brand Airport (LMO).  Additionally, he serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area.

Anthony “Tony” JOHNSTONE, Master CFI-Aerobatic (Renew:  10Dec11)
Winfield  KS
E-mail:  KnifeEdgeAkro@yahoo.com
Doctor Anthony Johnston, a 2-time Master and a member of IAC as well as SAFE, recently renewed his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Tony specializes in aerobatic, spin, and tailwheel transition training as the chief instructor of Knife Edge Aerobatics at Strother Field (WLD) in Winfield, Kansas.  He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Wichita FSDO area.

Craig Michael PATTERSON, Master CFI (Renew:  30Nov11)
Midland  TX
E-mail:   CPatterson@Midland.edu
Craig M Patterson, a 4-time Master, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Craig is the chief flight instructor as well as an associate professor of aviation with Midland College’s Part 141 professional pilot preparation program ( www.Midland.edu/~Pilots ) at Midland Airpark (MDD).  He also serves as apilot examiner and FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Lubbock FSDO area.

Timm PREUSSER, Master CFI (Renew:  7Dec11)
Kleinwallstadt  Germany
E-mail:   TimmPreusser@t-online.de
Timm Preusser, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Timm is the chief instructor for the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) in Europe as well as the chief flight instructor and president of the Darmstadt Flying Club (www.FlyDFC.com).  He also serves on COPA’s board of directors and is a Cirrus standardized instructor.

J Anthony SHARP, Master Aviation Educator (Initial:  7Dec11)
Elizabeth City  NC
E-mail:   JASharp@mail.ECSU.edu
Anthony Sharp, a 1st-time Master and a SAFE member, recently earned his Master Aviation Educator (MAE) accreditation.  Anthony is a professor and the director of the Aviation Science program at Elizabeth City State University (http://www.ECSU.edu/Aviation/index.cfm).  A professional member of the University Aviation Association (UAA), he also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Greensboro FSDO area.

Brian Nathaniel WILLETT, Master CFI-Aerobatic (Initial:  7Dec11)
Gilbert  AZ
E-mail:  Brian.Willett@cox.net
Brian Willett, a 1st-time Master and a member of IAC as well as SAFE, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Brian is an instructor with APS Emergency Maneuver Training (www.APSTraining.com), a Part 141 flight school at Mesa’s Williams Gateway Airport (IWA).  A retired Air Force instructor pilot, he specializes in aerobatic, upset recovery, and spin training.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://www.SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/ For more information about the Program and to locate other Master Instructors, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during November are:

Richard Louis “Rich” WEBER, Master CFI (Initial:  1Nov11)
Jacksonville  FL
E-mail:   Rich@WEBAIRAviation.com
Richard L Weber, a 1st-time Master and a SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Rich is the chief fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit at Craig Municipal Airport (CRG).  Additionally, he operates WEBAIR Aviation Training (http://WEBAIRAviation.com/) and serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Orlando FSDO area.

David James “Dave” MC VINNIE, Master CFI (Renew:  1Nov11)
Albuquerque  NM
E-mail:  DJMcVinnie@aol.com,
David J McVinnie, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Dave operates McVinnie Aviation LLC in Albuquerque and serves as national chairman of the CFI Professional Accreditation Committee.  He is also a pilot examiner as well as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Albuquerque FSDO area.

Helen Dalman “Pat” KNIGHT, Master CFI (Renew: 1Nov11)
Naperville  IL
E-mail:  PKnight@earthlink.net
Pat Knight, an 8-time Master CFI and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Pat is an aviation educator at DuPage Airport (DPA) where she specializes in analyzing and correcting skill problems while also preparing students for FAA flight checks and reexaminations.  She also serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s DuPage FSDO area.

Helen Dalman “Pat” KNIGHT, Master Ground Instructor (Initial: 1Nov11)
Naperville  IL
E-mail:  PKnight@earthlink.net
Pat Knight, a 1st-time Master Ground Instructor (MGI), an 8-time Master CFI, and SAFE member, recently earned her Master GI accreditation.  Pat is an aviation educator at DuPage Airport (DPA) where she specializes in preparing students for FAA flight checks and reexaminations.  Additionally, she serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s DuPage FSDO area.

Carol Ruth JENSEN, Master CFI (Renewal:  11Nov11)
Georgetown  TX
E-mail:   CarolJensen@LightningRanch.net
Carol R Jensen, a 2-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Carol serves on the board of the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) and is the president of Lightning Ranch Group (www.LightningRanch.net/CentralTexasFlightAcademy) at Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU).  She is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s San Antonio FSDO area.

Edgar Melville “Ed” FINK, Master CFI (Renew:  1Nov11)
Fort Myers  FL
E-mail:    EdMFink@comcast.net
Edgar M Fink, an 8-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Ed is an independent flight and ground instructor at Page Field Airport (FMY).  He also serves with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sundowners Search & Rescue Flying Club, and was a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Tampa FSDO area.

Gregory William “Greg” BAKER, Master CFI-Aerobatic (Initial:  11Nov11)
Divide  CO
E-mail:  FLY@RockyMountainAirsports.com
Gregory W Baker, a 1st-time Master and a member of IAC as well as SAFE, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Greg owns Rocky Mountain Airsports (http://RockyMountainAirsports.com/), an aerobatic flight school based at Meadow Lake Airport (FLY) near Colorado Springs.  A retired Army helicopter pilot and A&P mechanic, he specializes in aerobatic, upset recovery, and spin training.

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://www.SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/ For more information about the Program and to locate other Master Instructors, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during September are:

Randy Lee BAILEY, Master CFI
Fort Collins  CO
E-mail:   BonanzaCFI@comcast.net
Randy Bailey, a 3-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Randy is an independent flight and ground instructor who provides instrument, GPS, and mountain flying instruction at Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL).  He also specializes in Bonanza and Baron recurrent training with the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program (http://BPPP.org/).

Michelle Tatia BASSANESI, Master CFI
Rome, Italy
E-mail:   Mash@CentroPilota.IT
Michelle Bassanesi, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned her Master CFI accreditation.  Michelle works as an independent flight and ground instructor in Rome, Italy, specializing in primary training.  The founder of Aviation and Women in Europe (http://www.AWEU.org/), she is also very active in Women in Aviation International and The Ninety-Nines.

Kele Huia FERGERSTROM, Master CFI
Honolulu  HI
E-mail:  Kele@Fergerstrom.net
Kele H Fergerstrom, a 1st-time Master, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Kele is a flight and ground instructor with Corporate Air ( http://CorporateAir.net/ ) at Kalaeloa Airport-John Rodgers Field (HJR) where he specializes in advanced ground and flight training.  An A&P mechanic, he also serves in the Hawaii Wing of the CAP and is an industry check pilot for the Honolulu FSDO.

Travis Paul HOLLAND, Master CFI
Bellingham  WA
E-mail:  PDA@Holland.aero
Travis P Holland, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Travis owns Holland Aero ( http://Holland.Aero/ ), a flight training operation based at Bellingham International Airport (BLI).  He also specializes turbine transitions, type training, and pilot mentoring in JetPROPs, Meridians, and Pilatus PC-12s worldwide.

Russell Frederick “Russ” STILL, Master CFI
Cumming  GA
E-mail:  Russell@GoldSealFlight.com
Russell F Still, a 4-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Russ is the president of Atlanta Flight Training (http://www.Atlanta-Flight-Training.com/) at Gwinnett County Airport (LZU).  A published aviation author, he also provides an extensive line of pilot training materials through his company, Gold Seal Flight (http://www.GoldSealFlight.com/).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://www.SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/ For more information about the Program and to locate other Master Instructors, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during August are:

Bernard Francis “Barney” KING, Master CFI
Salina  KS
E-mail:   KingB@Sal.KSU.edu
Bernard F King, a 6-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Barney is the program lead for Kansas State University’s Professional Pilot Program (www.Salina.K-State.edu/Aviation) at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN).  A retired US Army aviator, he also served as the Civil Air Patrol’s Kansas Wing commander and is currently the Wing’s finance officer.

David Newman “Dave” GOLL, Master CFI
Midland  TX
E-mail:   DaveGoll@yahoo.com, DGoll@Midland.edu,
David N Goll, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Dave is an independent CFI as well as an assistant chief flight instructor with Midland College’s Part 141 professional pilot preparation program ( http://www.Midland.edu/Pilots/ ) at Midland Airpark (MDD).  In addition to giving stage and progress checks, he also provides training at all levels.

Thomas Nelson “Tom” GILMORE, Master Instructor Emeritus
Stuart  FL
E-mail:  ToPilot@aol.com
Thomas N Gilmore, a 7-time Master CFI and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  A noted aviation author, Tom operated Gilmore Aviation Services ( http://www.StuartJets.com/ ) and served as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Fort Lauderdale/South Florida FSDO area.

Theodore “Ted” CORSONES, Master CFI
Rutland VT  &  Naples FL
E-mail:  TedC@Corsones.com
Theodore Corsones, a 2-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Ted is an independent flight and ground instructor providing aviation training primarily in Vermont and Florida.  Additionally, he is a past president, current treasurer, and an instructor with Mooney’s MAPA Safety Foundation (http://www.MAPASafety.com/).

Larry Stephen BOTHE, Master CFI
Seymour  IN
E-mail:   LBothe@comcast.net
Larry S Bothe, a 6-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Larry is an independent flight instructor and designated pilot examiner at Freeman Municipal Airport (SER).  He also serves as a board member as well as treasurer of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) and is a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Indianapolis FSDO area.

Michelle Tatia BASSANESI, Master CFI
Rome, Italy
E-mail:   Mash@CentroPilota.IT
Michelle Bassanesi, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned her Master CFI accreditation.  Michelle works as an independent flight and ground instructor in Rome, Italy, specializing in primary training.  The founder of Aviation and Women in Europe (http://www.AWEU.org/), she is also very active in Women in Aviation International and The Ninety-Nines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“

Master Instructors LLC and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators.  Recently, they were all accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the prestige conferred by this title, the last 16 National Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs.  In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their flight instructor certificates.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Through their dedication to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry!

Questions regarding the Master Instructor Program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://www.SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/ For more information about the Program and to locate other Master Instructors, please visit the “Find a Master Instructor” section of www.MasterInstructors.org

Aviation educators who earned the “Master” title during June & July are:

Larry Stephen BOTHE, Master CFI
Seymour  IN
E-mail:   LBothe@comcast.net
Larry S Bothe, a 6-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Larry is an independent flight instructor and designated pilot examiner at Freeman Municipal Airport (SER).  He also serves as a board member as well as treasurer of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) and is a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Indianapolis FSDO area.

Ann-Margaret “Meg” GODLEWSKI, Master CFI & Master GI
Lakewood  WA
E-mail:  FlyPercu@aol.com
Meg Godlewski, a 4-time double Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI and Master GI accreditations.  Meg is a flight and ground instructor at Crest Airpark (S36) as well as Clover Park Technical College (http://www.CPTC.edu/) and Safety In Motion.  She is active in Women in Aviation as well as The 99s and is also a journalist with General Aviation News.

Karen Mayde KAHN, Master CFI
Santa Barbara  CA
E-mail: KMKahn@cox.net
Karen M Kahn, a 5-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Karen (http://www.CaptainKarenKahn.com/) is an an airline pilot, aviation author, safety consultant, career counselor, and independent CFI at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA).  She is also active in the Ninety-Nines and serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Van Nuys FSDO area.

Paul Weston “BJ” RANSBURY, Master CFI-Aerobatic
Queens Creek  AZ
E-mail: Paul.Ransbury@APSTraining.com
Paul BJ Ransbury, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  BJ is the chief flight instructor and president of APS Emergency Maneuver Training (www.APSTraining.com), a Part 141 flight school at Mesa’s Williams Gateway Airport (IWA).  He specializes in aerobatics, upset recovery, and air combat maneuvers training.

Dominick “Dom” RUSCITTI, Master CFI
Caledonia  IL
E-mail:   DRuscit@aol.com
Dominick Ruscitti, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Dom is a retired United Airlines pilot and owns Caledonia’s Lee Creek Airport (56IL).  He specializes in technically advanced glass cockpit training as well as instruction and mentoring in owner operated single-pilot very light jets (http://www.VLJMentoring.com/).

Adam Dominick RUSCITTI, Master CFI
Loves Park  IL
E-mail:   ADRuscit@aol.com
Adam D Ruscitti, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Adam is a full time pilot, mentor, and instructor.  He specializes training and mentoring owner pilots transitioning into single-pilot very light jets  (http://www.VLJMentoring.com/) as well as initial type ratings and recurrent jet training.

Megan Roberta SAYRE, Master CFI
Bennett  CO
E-mail:  SayreMegan@ymail.com
Megan Sayre, a 2-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Megan is the chief flight instructor for Journeys Aviation (http://JourneysAviation.com/) at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC).  The 2010 Northwest Mountain Region CFI of the Year, she also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area.

William Henry “Bill” SCHROEDER, Master CFI
Carson City  NV
E-mail:   CheckPilot@TheGrid.net
William H Schroeder, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Bill, the CAP’s Nevada Wing check pilot examiner, is an independent flight and ground instructor in the Reno-Tahoe area.  A FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Reno FSDO area, he was recently named the 2011 Western Pacific Region FAASTeam Representative of the Year.

Paul Michael “Mike” WAGERS, Master CFI
Louisville  KY
E-mail:   PMWagers@yahoo.com
Paul M Wagers, a 1st time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Mike is the chief flight instructor for the Academy at Shawnee (http://www.AcademyAtShawnee.org/), a Part 141 aviation program in the Jefferson County public school system.  A Marine Corps veteran, he also serves in the CAP’s Kentucky Wing and is a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Louisville FSDO area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC,  Longmont  CO
Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)
Phone:  303-485-8136
www.MasterInstructors.org

“Serving Master Instructors since 1995“