Published September 1999

National Association of Flight Instructor
Announcement

 It is with a great deal of professional pride that I announce a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Thomas N Gilmore, a resident of St Clair Shores, MI.  Recently, Tom was designated a Master CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) by his professional aviation organization, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).  To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 78,000 certified flight instructors in the United States.  Although many of those instructors are presently working toward their Master Instructor designations, fewer than ninety have achieved that distinction thus far.

The Master Instructor designation is earned by an applicant through a rigorous process of continuing education and, much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels the continuing education regimen used by academicians, CPAs, lawyers, physicians and other professionals to enhance their knowledge base and increase their professionalism.  Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which aviation educators are recognized for an expertise that is above and beyond those minimum standards mandated by industry and the government.  Detailed descriptions of NAFI's Master Instructor program appear in the June '98 issue of Flight Training magazine, the January '99 issue of Flying Careers magazine, and the May / June '99 issue of Woman Pilot magazine.

Through their commitment to excellence, Master Instructors have earned their "black belts" in aviation education.  They truly represent the crème de la crème of our industry!  To publicly recognize these individuals and their noteworthy accomplishments, NAFI will be hosting a "Meet the Masters" breakfast, to which Tom has been invited, during EAA's AirVenture 2000 next summer in Oshkosh.   Any support that can be provided would be greatly appreciated. 

NAFI was founded in 1967 and is dedicated to raising and maintaining the professional standing of flight instructors throughout the nation, as well as providing a safe and effective learning environment for students.  In addition, NAFI initiates education and support programs throughout the aviation industry.  The association affiliated with EAA in May of 1995.

Please feel free to disseminate this information in your newsletters or other media.  If there are any questions regarding NAFI's Master Instructor program, please do not hesitate to contact me at (719) 589-9487 or via e-mail at:  2hills@amigo.net

 Sincerely,

 G Alexander "Sandy" Hill                                    Tom Gilmore’s phone: 810-801-6146
NAFI Director of Education                                                     Email: ToPilot@aol.com