David Faile
David Faile

SAFE Member #: 0197

Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut

Home Airport: KBDR

Occupation: Retired

Education: BS, 1968, Johnson State College, Johnson, Vermont

Pilot Certificates: Commercial, SEL, SES, MEL, Instrument, Glider, Rotorcraft, MCFI/I, Instrument/Advanced Ground, Mechanic/A&P Two FAA Repairman Certificates

Airplanes Flying/Flown: Over 95 different airplanes, gliders, and helicopters.

Educational Specialty: Communications, Instrument, LSA

Q & A

What drew you to aviation?Cub Scout trip to the airport

How long have you been involved in aviation education? July 19, 2010 will mark my 50th year since solo. I have been a Certificated Flight Instructor since July, 1965.

What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Promoting aviation safety.

What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Responding to the media about accidents.

Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? In 2008, I spent over a month flying the Outback of Australia.

Why did you join SAFE? Because SAFE is based on the Flight Instructor and pilot education.

What would you like to see change in aviation? I’d like to see aviation be respected as one of the economic engines that makes the United States great!

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? After fifty years, I’m still trying to figure that out!

Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? I was awarded the 1999 National Flight Instructor of the Year. One of only five in the world who have held the Master Flight Instructor designation continuously since 1998. Have built two homebuilt airplanes: a Christen Eagle II and an RV 6.

Who are your role models in aviation? Everybody who is actively contributing to aviation safety.