First Two MCFI-Hs Granted

Master Instructors LLC recently introduced its new Master CFI-Helicopter (MCFI-H) accreditation. Designed to better serve the needs of the nation’s rotorcraft instructors, the MCFI-H is the sixth in a line of Master accreditations offered by the Longmont, Colorado company.

Improved safety in rotary wing instruction and EMS operations has taken on a renewed emphasis in recent years. Thus, with input from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the International Helicopter Safety Team, and the Helicopter Association International (HAI), Master Instructors LLC tailored the MCFI-H designation to flight instructors who devote a majority of their instructional time to helicopters.

The Master Helicopter designation establishes higher professional standards to which helicopter instructors can aspire, and for which helicopter instructors who maintain those high standards can be recognized. To qualify, a minimum of 50% of the activities submitted by applicants must be helicopter related.

The first two Master CFI-Helicopter designations were recently granted as well: Randal R. Rowles from Fort Worth, TX, earned the first MCFI-H designation, while Michael E. Cassady of Arlington, Texas, earned the second.

Rowles is the vice president of Night Flight Concepts. Cassady works as a helicopter flight and ground instructor with Bell Helicopter’s factory school. Both serve as FAASTeam representatives in the FAA’s Fort Worth FSDO area and are members of HAI. Prior to earning their MCFI-H designations, both had also previously earned accreditations as Master CFIs.

Consistent with the original Master Instructor accreditations introduced in 1997, the new MCFI-H acknowledges an individual’s continuing professional growth and involvement in a broad spectrum of aviation endeavors while recognizing an ongoing commitment to excellence and service to the aviation community. The two-year MCFI-H designation can be used for CFI certificate renewal as well, and is approved for FAA WINGS credit.

Program creators Sandy and JoAnn Hill have been serving the Master Instructor community since 1995. In 2009 they formed Master Instructors LLC to bring greater autonomy and impartiality to their program, which is open to all qualified applicants regardless of their other aviation affiliations. Noted author, aviation educator, helicopter instructor and Master CFI Michael Maya Charles has joined the Master Instructor Board of Review to evaluate MCFI-H portfolios.

See http://www.MasterInstructors.org/ for additional information and application forms.

Andrew T Smith recently earned his Master Aviation Educator (MAE) accreditation. Drew is an
assistant professor and program lead for K-State University’s Part 147 Aviation Maintenance
Training curriculum ( www.Salina.K-State.edu/Aviation ) at Salina Municipal Airport (SAL). He also serves as a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) for the FAA’s Wichita FSDO. Press release available in PDF.

Earlier this month, the Aero-News Network posted an informative interview with Sandy & JoAnn Hill. View Part I and Part II.

MAE designation promotes inclusiveness, recognizes individuals who are working as aviation educators in industry, government, and the private sector, but who may not hold FAA instructor certifications.
[View Full Article]

A Board of Review has been established with nine highly qualified individuals. The Master Instructor program is WINGS-approved and will soon be online at www.masterinstructors.org. The program will be affiliated with the Society of Aviation & Flight Educators (SAFE).

Once again available to all qualified applicants

Sandy & JoAnn Hill

LONGMONT, CO — Master Instructors LLC recently announced that its internationally acclaimed and FAA approved Master Instructor Continuing Education Programâ„¢, the preeminent aviation educator credentialing program in the United States, has been updated, restructured, and is once again available to all qualified applicants. Adhering to a rigorous continuing education and peer-review process, the program promotes professionalism among aviation educators and provides well-deserved recognition for their contributions to aviation education, training, and safety.

The Master Instructor program was conceived and developed by MCFIs Sandy and JoAnn Hill, longtime CFIs and nationally known aviation educators (see attached JPEG). It has periodically been revised and expanded by them over the years. The Hills have been serving Master Instructors and other aviation educators since 1995, and have been responsible for reviewing more than 1,300 Master Instructor applications.

MI LLC MCFI Plaque

Once affiliated with the National Association of Flight Instructors, Sandy Hill explained, “We wanted to expand access to the Master Instructor program while also assuring its autonomy, credibility, integrity, and high standards. As the international Master Instructor accrediting body, providing an additional layer of independence from other organizations became increasingly important to us. Consequently, we felt it was time to bring all aspects of our program in-house under Master Instructors LLC.” The new company has a nine-member Board of Review..

Master Instructors LLC recently received a two-year letter of authorization from the FAA qualifying the program for flight instructor certificate renewal while the program is also FAA WINGS-approved. Master Instructors LLC currently has a letter of understanding with SAFE, the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators. The company is a sponsor and supporter of Advocates for Aviation Safety Foundation, and is pursuing FAASTeam industry membership. Master Instructors LLC is also pursuing accrediting agreements with the Bonanza Pilot Proficiency Program and the Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association Safety Foundation, among others, and will soon begin a dialogue with the Civil Air Patrol.