Michelle Bassanesi
SAFE #: S0000174
Website: http://www.aweu.org
Hometown: Rome, Italy
Home Airport: LIRU
Occupation: Professional Problem Solver & Part-time Flight Instructor
Education: Undergraduate at ERAU
Pilot Certificates: JAA and FAA Commercial Pilot License Instrument Rating Multi Engine Land/Single Engine Land plus FAA and JAA Certificated Flight Instructor/Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument
Airplanes Flying/Flown: C172RG, C152, C150, P66C, C172, C182, PA28
Educational Specialty: Mentor
Q & A
What drew you to aviation?: Passion, the first man on the moon and my friend Raoul in November 1999 in California. I started flying paragliders in 1990 and airplanes in March 2000. I learned to fly in a C172RG out of KMYF.
How long have you been involved in aviation education?: Since 2007.
What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Creating opportunities and watching my students grow!
What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Bureaucracy and user fees.
Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share?: In November 2009, I was passenger with my friend Raoul when he flew a C172 from California to Florida and back!
In 2004 I participated in the Round New Zealand AirRace and thought it not only a great learning experience but also a unique way of visiting the North and South Islands!
In July 2010 and July 2011 IFR Raid
Why did you join SAFE?: To be part of an association that creates resources and support for instructors plus creates change and believes in professionalism.
What would you like to see change in aviation?: The biggest change I’d like to see is education of the general public and mass media, whether adults or children. Aviation, in all its facets, is a wonderful way of life! The more information that is available and knowledge that is spread the lower the costs of aviation and more importantly, phobias will practically disappear. History of aviation from every country is also a must – we learn from the past and move forward. Too much is lost.
Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: Each instructor makes at least 10 intro flights a year and goes to talk to at least one primary school and one high school class a year, plus volunteer at events such as Kidventure at Oshkosh. If an instructor owns an aircraft, he/she participates also in programs such as the Young Eagles. Each instructor flies with at least another two flight instructors during the year comparing notes/sharing instruction tips and/or mentor new CFIs.
Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention?: I am the grateful recipient of various scholarships that have immensely helped me through my training.
I created AWE — Aviation and Women in Europe and seek to coordinate and promote aviation education whilst encouraging women to seek opportunities in aviation www.aweu.org
In 2010 I received the Airlbus Leadership Award and in 2011 I received my initial MCFI accreditation.
Who are your role models in aviation?: Aviation pioneers from all over the world!
Anything else you’d like to add?: www.aweu.org/ext_files/CURRICULUM_VITAE_Michelle_Bassanesi.pdf
