Organization Names Sparky Imeson Member #001

The Society of Aviation & Flight Educators (SAFE) tells ANN the group is now accepting regular and charter memberships. The organization adds additional membership levels will become available in the near future.

As ANN has reported, SAFE was founded as "a new, independent organization to represent the nation's professional aviation educators" by a number of CFIs dissatisfied with the state of affairs at the National Association of Flight Instructors.

Regular membership in SAFE is $45 per year and will include open participation in the organization's governance, a member business link on the SAFE website, members-only access to key resources and materials on the SAFE website, access to the Master Instructor accreditation program (including the CFI renewal option), as well as a variety of other member programs currently under development.

Charter members receive a certificate of appreciation and SAFE apparel. Four tiers of Charter Membership are available: Bronze ($100), Silver ($250), Gold ($500), and Platinum ($1,000).

Currently, members are voting to elect the initial Board of Directors for SAFE. Members have until April 3 to cast their ballots via the SAFE website. Organizers note SAFE is the only organization representing the nation's aviation educators in which members elect the Board.

"Many people are anxiously waiting to show their support for SAFE by becoming dues-paying members," said Membership Chair Brian Robbins. "We have so much enthusiasm and expertise working for us that it only took SAFE a few weeks to put everything in place to accept dues. We've taken full advantage of on-line technology to make the process as easy as possible."

SAFE also resolved this week to honor the legacy of fallen flier Sparky Imeson (above right) with recognition as the organization's first member.

"Sparky joined our movement in the early days of the crisis that eventually led to the formation of SAFE. We were looking forward to his leadership in the growth of our new organization." said SAFE spokesman Doug Stewart. "Sparky was a role model and he will be missed. On behalf of SAFE, I extend our condolences to his family and friends."

As ANN reported, Imeson was lost in a March 17 accident near Bozeman, MT.

FMI: http://safepilots.org/, www.mountainflying.com