Q:  What is a Master Instructor designation announcement?   Example

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 for individuals, organizations and entities you would like to receive the announcement within 4 or 5 days of your accreditation.  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.  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:

(Marion.C.Blakey@faa.dot.gov),  (JHLewis@up.net),  (Greg@TopgunCleveland.com),  (DonnAir_Aviation@hotmail.com),  (SteveWOW@donet.com),  (Bate02@hotmail.com),  (Guy.Rouelle@state.vt.us),  (WSSchamel@aol.com),  (Judy@CPAviation.com), (PJurgens@Sportys.com),  (TBrandt33@earthlink.net),  (BPKoebbe@hotmail.com),  (Patrick.Dugan@sbcglobal.net),  (MGaffney@SkylineAero.com),  (RjbeemLindstrom@bellsouth.net),  (BartMeltzer@earthlink.net),  (Woody.Minar@centurytel.net),  (David@myfbo.com),  etc. 
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. The designation is granted by NAFI and serves a dual purpose.  First, it identifies and publicly recognizes those "Teachers of Flight" who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.  Second, it 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 "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:  Why is a Master Instructor photo (JPEG) required?

A
:  Because the "Master Instructor Continuing Education Program" is approved by the FAA for flight instructor certificate renewal, an 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.  Those pictures:       

*  should be aviation oriented medium resolution JPEGs showing only the Master or the Master as the         picture's primary focus;
*  should 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";
*  should show the Master professionally dressed in a NAFI / MCFI or flight school shirt (avoid shorts, T-shirts         & sunglasses) and not in close proximity to propeller blades.

For example photos meeting these requirements refer to photo gallery
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 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 and time-critical items is covered.  The phone call generally lasts 15 to 20 minutes.    
Q:  What happens if my portfolio isn't complete?

A:
 
The two problems most frequently encountered are:  A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms 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:  What happens to my Master Instructor portfolio after it's mailed?

A:
  The first stop for all portfolios is NAFI's executive office in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  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 the Master Instructor Board of Review in Colorado or California 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 two to three weeks. 
Q:  Where do I send my completed portfolio?

US Postal Service:
NAFI
EAA Aviation Center
PO Box 3086
Oshkosh WI, 54903-3086


FedEx or UPS:
NAFI
3000 Poberezny Rd
Oshkosh, WI 54902-8939
Q:  Why must everything be documented?

A:
  The FAA has approved the Master Instructor designation 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 by NAFI and IAC during the review and approval process are retained by NAFI and must be able to withstand a thorough audit - a "ramp check" - by FAA and 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 the Master Instructor Board of Review at 303-485-8136 with any questions.
Q:  How are Master Instructor porfolios 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 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 NAFI's Executive Director within thirty (30) days.

Checking an applicant's professional references is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted.
Q:  What is a Master Instructor, and do I qualify?

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. The designation is granted by NAFI and serves a dual purpose.  First, it identifies and publicly recognizes those "Teachers of Flight" who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.  Second, it 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 "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:

    * be a NAFI member in good standing;
    * maintain NAFI membership during the accreditation term;
    * subscribe to and abide by NAFI'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 a MCFI or MCFI-A designation.
    ( Board of Review may make rulings outside these guidelines for good cause)

Q:  What are activities and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

A:
All Master Instructor portfolios are reviewed in their entirety by the NAFI Board of Review (BoR). All MCFI-A portfolios are reviewed by an International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Board of Review as well. The IAC Board grants all aerobatic activity credit.

Each activity shown on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages is assigned an approximate number of continuing education units (CEUs). The number of CEUs granted for a particular activity is a function of the time spent completing that activity. The activity's "quality" is also considered. Typically, colleges require approximately 15 hours of direct involvement for a single college credit. A similar time requirement is used to determine the number of CEUs granted for an activity. All student-contact time (both flight & ground) applies and may be counted toward total activity time.

Candidates must accumulate a minimum of 32 CEUs (approx 480 hours) during the 24-calendar months prior to issuance of the Master Instructor designation. The required minimum of 32 CEUs must meet the following criteria: A) at least sixteen CEUs (approx 240 hours) must come from at least two different EDUCATOR category activities, B) at least two CEUs (approx 30 hours) from at least two different activities must come from each of the SERVICE, MEDIA, and PARTICIPANT categories, and C) if applying for a MCFI-A designation, at least half of all CEUs (approx 240 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.

Listed categories on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages show multiple examples of typical activities that could qualify for CEU 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 four categories and will either be awarded an appropriate number of CEUs or denied credit. Each activity submitted for credit, whether a listed activity or a similar topic, must be accompanied by an ACF along with appropriate supporting documentation.
Q:  What are activities and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?

A:
All Master Instructor portfolios are reviewed in their entirety by the NAFI Board of Review (BoR). All MCFI-A portfolios are reviewed by an International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Board of Review as well. The IAC Board grants all aerobatic activity credit.

Each activity shown on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages is assigned an approximate number of continuing education units (CEUs). The number of CEUs granted for a particular activity is a function of the time spent completing that activity. The activity's "quality" is also considered. Typically, colleges require approximately 15 hours of direct involvement for a single college credit. A similar time requirement is used to determine the number of CEUs granted for an activity. All student-contact time (both flight & ground) applies and may be counted toward total activity time.

Candidates must accumulate a minimum of 32 CEUs (approx 480 hours) during the 24-calendar months prior to issuance of the Master Instructor designation. The required minimum of 32 CEUs must meet the following criteria: A) at least sixteen CEUs (approx 240 hours) must come from at least two different EDUCATOR category activities, B) at least two CEUs (approx 30 hours) from at least two different activities must come from each of the SERVICE, MEDIA, and PARTICIPANT categories, and C) if applying for a MCFI-A designation, at least half of all CEUs (approx 240 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.

Listed categories on the "Example Master Instructor Activities" pages show multiple examples of typical activities that could qualify for CEU 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 four categories and will either be awarded an appropriate number of CEUs or denied credit. Each activity submitted for credit, whether a listed activity or a similar topic, must be accompanied by an ACF along with appropriate supporting documentation.
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:

    * be a NAFI member in good standing;
    * maintain NAFI membership during the accreditation term;
    * subscribe to and abide by NAFI'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 a MCFI or MCFI-A designation.
    ( Board of Review may make rulings outside these guidelines for good cause)
Sponsors
Q:  Are there any benefits for earning Master Instructor accreditation?

A:
  When you become a Master Instructor, you will receive an engraved 8"x10" plaque
lapel pin,   patch,   and the following:            

1.   Recognition by NAFI, their professional aviation education association, that they have achieved a level of professionalism and excellence that exceeds government and industry minimums;

2.  Renewal of an unexpired flight instructor certificate [
FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii)];
      FAA authorization letter,    frameable certificate.


3.  Recognition as a "Gold Seal" flight instructor (FAA Order 8710.3E);    example

4.  Renewal of Part 141 chief & assistant chief CFI credentials [
FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii)]; 
     FAA authorization letter.

5. 
News releases and e-mail designation announcements;   example  

6.  Use of Master wings to create special Master Instructor identity items; 

7.  Special listings on NAFI's website under "Find a Master Instructor
" & "Ask the Masters;

8.  Invitations for the Master and a guest to AirVenture and Sun 'n Fun "Meet the Masters" breakfasts;  

9.  Ability to use the accreditation as a reference source for future employment;   

10.  Opportunity for future higher earning potential and professional advancement; 

11.  Substantial discounts on flight instructor liability insurance from Falcon Insurance.
Q:  May I submit some part of my portfolio on a CD?

A:  The items listed below must be submitted in paper format:

A)  The Master Instructor application page;
B)  the Portfolio of Professional Development page with its signed and dated affidavit;
C)  the Biographical Data page;
D)  the 1 or 2 page bulleted aviation resume;
E)  legible photocopies of both sides of all airman certificates; and
F)  a legible photocopy of a government issued photo identification document.

It would be best to submit all Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) in paper format but supporting documentation may be submitted on a CD.  Master Instructor pictures may be e-mailed or included on the CD
.
Q:  May I submit some part of my portfolio on a CD?

A:
  The items listed below must be submitted in paper format:

A)  The Master Instructor application page;
B)  the Portfolio of Professional Development page with its signed and dated affidavit;
C)  the Biographical Data page;
D)  the 1 or 2 page bulleted aviation resume;
E)  legible photocopies of both sides of all airman certificates; and
F)  a legible photocopy of a government issued photo identification document.

It would be best to submit all Activity Completion Forms (ACFs) in paper format but supporting documentation may be submitted on a CD.  Master Instructor pictures may be e-mailed or included on the CD.
FAQ
FAQ