FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michael Gerard "Mike" GAFFNEY,
Master CFI & Master Ground Instructor ( 5Sep06 )
Lake St Louis  MO
E-mail:    MGGaffney@SkylineAero.com
Michael Gaffney recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation and earned a Master Ground Instructor designation.  Mike is one of only 10 Missouri aviation educators who has earned this prestigious "Master" title.  Additionally, he is one of only 10 instructors nationwide to hold both a Master CFI and a Master Ground Instructor. Mike is the President of Skyline Aeronautics ( www.SkylineAero.com ), a Spirit of St Louis Airport (KSUS) Part 141 flight school.  He also serves as a safety counselor for the local FAA Office and was recently named the 2006 St Louis Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. 

 
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The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Michael G Gaffney, chief flight instructor at Skyline Aeronautics and resident of Lake St Louis, MO.  Recently, Mike's accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by NAFI, his professional aviation education organization.  At the same time, he also earned accreditation as a Master Ground Instructor (MGI).

To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 90,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 500 of them have achieved that distinction thus far.  The last eleven national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Mike is one of only 10 Missouri aviation educators who has earned this prestigious "Master" title.  Additionally, he is one of only 10 instructors nationwide to hold both a Master CFI and a Master GI.   

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA that 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 Mike will be invited, during EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland.  Any support that can be provided will be appreciated. 

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.

Please feel free to disseminate this information.  Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or Info@NAFIMasters.org or visit NAFI's website at www.NAFInet.org 

G Alexander "Sandy" Hill, MCFI
Phone:  303-485-8136
Vice President, Dir of Education
Nat'l Association of Flight Instructors