I think the NAFI Master Program is the entire reason for any success I have had as a flight instructor and I highly recommend it to every professional instructor. I got on very early in this program and am currently working on my sixth renewal. Pilots are goal oriented people and after I had earned all my instructor ratings and worked for several years I was running out of steam....what is this all for anyway? The continuing education units you need to accumulate to achieve the master designation got me again taking courses and instruction, and pushed me into the arena of public presentation. Participation in this program "raised the bar" of what I was trying to achieve and led me to a greater appreciation of the professional nature of flight instruction. This program is the brainchild of Sandy and JoAnn Hill, both former teachers, and is carefully constructed to not just recognize achievement but also bring out the best in flight instructors and engender further professional growth.

     NAFI is the National Association of Flight Instructors. This organization is celebrating its 40th year. This organization provides tools and opportunities for all flight instructors but the master program is certainly the jewel in the crown. The stated purposes are: "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." Members who achieve the Master "accreditation" are listed on the web site and treated like royalty within the organization (free breakfast with the FAA administrator at Oshkosh and Sun 'N Fun!) The Master recognition also now means automatic award of an FAA "Gold Seal" and renewal of your flight instructor certificate.