Master Instructor Program To Be Administered By NAFI Staff
There have
been some big changes at the National Association of
Flight Instructors (NAFI). Among the developments from Tuesday's
meeting to elect a new board of directors was the
news two established members of the board, JoAnn Hill and Sandy
Hill, were not re-elected to new terms.
As ANN reported, the showdown between the NAFI
board of directors and the CFI community was precipitated last
October by what many perceived as an attempt to oust the Hills from
the NAFI hierarchy, and potentially affect the future of the Master
Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) program -- which some NAFI Board
members reportedly felt to be "elitist."
At least outwardly, the new regime at NAFI appears to be taking
steps to address those concerns. Proposed changes will allow NAFI
members a voice in the election of members of the board, and the
association says it is also working to create more opportunities
for member involvement in the leadership of NAFI throughout the
year.
As far as the MCFI program, it will now be fully
administered by the staff of NAFI, headed by Executive Director
Jason Blair. In the past, this program was administered by contract
employees, who also happened to serve as members of the NAFI Board
of Directors.
"The MCFI program has been a source of leading instructors for
years," Blair said. "We will do everything necessary to keep this
program running smoothly and at the rigorous standards that exist
today." During the transition, an interim peer review
board will review MCFI application packages.
As far as the Board of Directors, for the short term the
seats vacated by the Hills will remain empty, to be filled at a
future date. The board and program management responsibilities of
these positions will be shared among remaining board members and
NAFI executive staff until they are filled.
"NAFI is charting a great course forward and will rely on the
careful planning of the board and input of its members to guide
it," said Blair.
The logistical process for allowing membership voting and input
is currently in development but in the interim, members are invited
to nominate individuals for consideration for service on the board.
"While the exact process is yet to be finalized, I welcome
nominations with corresponding resumes or biographical histories of
the nominees be sent to the NAFI office to be included in the
review and selection process as it is finalized," Blair said.
Officials with NAFI say the organization "strives to make
pragmatic, fact-driven decisions with members in mind at every
turn. With the dramatic growth NAFI has seen in the last decade,
some growing pains are a fact of life. The board of NAFI is doing
everything within its power to provide added value and program
stability for membership."
"NAFI is charting a great course forward and will rely on the
careful planning of its board and input of its members to guide
it," Blair said.
He also thanked the Hills for their "significant
contributions to the organization."