FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michael Gerard "Mike" GAFFNEY, Master CFI          ( 4May05 )
Lake St Louis  MO
E-mail:    MGaffney@SkylineAero.com
Michael Gaffney recently earned his Master CFI designation.  Mike is the chief flight instructor and president of Skyline Aeronautics, a Cessna Pilot Center and Part 141 flight school at Spirit of St Louis Airport (SUS).  He also holds an A&P certificate and serves as a safety counselor for the FAA's St Louis FSDO.
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The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Michael Gaffney, president of Skyline Aeronautics and a resident of Lake St Louis, MO.  Recently, Mike was designated as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) by NAFI, his professional aviation organization.

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 85,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 500 of them have achieved that distinction thus far.  The last ten national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Mike is one of only 6 Missouri aviation educators who has earned this prestigious "Master" title. 

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA that is earned by candidates through a rigorous process of continuing education 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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE