Three Achieve Designations For The First Time

Six flight instructors have received the "Master" designation from Master Instructors LLC. The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism.

Richard Louis "Rich" Weber earned his first Master CFI accreditation. Rich is the chief fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at Craig Municipal Airport (CRG) in Jacksonville, FL. Additionally, he operates WEBAIR Aviation Training and serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA's Orlando FSDO area. Rich@WEBAIRAviation.com

Helen Dalman "Pat" Knight earned her first Master Ground Instructor (MGI), but she's an an 8-time Master CFI, and SAFE member. Pat, who lives in Naperville, IL, is an aviation educator at DuPage Airport (DPA) where she specializes in preparing students for FAA flight checks and reexaminations. Additionally, she serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's DuPage FSDO area. PKnight@earthlink.net

Gregory William "Greg" Baker is a first-time Master and a member of IAC as well as SAFE, and recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation. Greg owns Rocky Mountain Airsports, an aerobatic flight school based at Meadow Lake Airport (FLY) near Colorado Springs. A retired Army helicopter pilot and A&P mechanic living in Divide, CO, he specializes in aerobatic, upset recovery, and spin training. FLY@RockyMountainAirsports.com

David James "Dave" Mc Vinnie is an 8-time Master and SAFE member who recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Dave operates McVinnie Aviation LLC in Albuquerque and serves as national chairman of the CFI Professional Accreditation Committee. He is also a pilot examiner as well as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Albuquerque FSDO area. E-mail:  DJMcVinnie@aol.com

Carol Ruth Jensen earned her second Master  accreditation. A SAFE member, Carol serves on the board of the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) and is the president of Lightning Ranch Group  at Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU) in Georgetown, TX. She is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's San Antonio FSDO area. CarolJensen@LightningRanch.net

Eight-time Master and a SAFE member Edgar Melville "Ed" Fink recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Ed, who lives in Ft. Myers, FL, is an independent flight and ground instructor at Page Field Airport (FMY). He also serves with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sundowners Search & Rescue Flying Club, and was a FAASTeam representative for the FAA's Tampa FSDO area. EdMFink@comcast.net

FMI: www.MasterInstructors.org