The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Charles E Martin, an independent Lancaster-area flight instructor and a resident of Palmyra, Penn. Chuck was accredited as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) by NAFI, his professional aviation education association.
To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 92,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 600 of them have achieved the distinction of Master CFI. The last 13 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Chuck is one of only eight Pennsylvania aviation educators to earn this prestigious “Master” title. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is the only industry professional accreditation recognized by the FAA. It is earned by candidates 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 the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.
Earning this designation is tantamount to having the words summa cum laude emblazoned on an instructor’s certificate. These Masters truly represent the crème de la crème of our industry! To publicly recognize these individuals and their noteworthy accomplishments, NAFI will be hosting its “Meet the Masters” breakfasts, to which Chuck will be invited, during EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland.
NAFI is dedicated to providing support and recognition for America’s aviation educators while helping them raise and maintain their level of professionalism. It is also committed to providing a safe and effective learning environment for student pilots. The Association was founded in 1967 and affiliated with EAA in 1995.