The Master Instructor designation is a national FAA-recognized professional accreditation and parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to increase their professionalism. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate. Of the 101,000 flight instructors in the US, fewer than 800 have earned the Master Instructor designation, and most are SAFE members.
Shane L Vande Voort, MCFI
Shane Vande Voort, a Master CFI and SAFE member, renewed his MCFI accreditation November 30 through Master Instructors LLC. This marks the seventh consecutive renewal for the Pella, Iowa CFI, meaning 14 years of continuous growth in aviation and instructional aviation expertise.
That makes Shane one of just 25 CFIs worldwide to have won seven consecutive MCFI renewals.
Shane is President of Classic Aviation at the Pella Municipal Airport, as well as the company’s chief flight instructor and A&P Maintenance Technician, and specializes in Cirrus and other technically advanced aircraft training.
He is also a FAASTeam representative and an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner for the Des Moines FSDO.
Michael D Gunn, MCFI
Michael D Gunn, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, earned his Master CFI accreditation at the end of November through Master Instructors, LLC.
A soon-to-retire US Air Force officer and MC-130J instructor pilot at Albuquerque’s Kirtland Air Force Base, Mike specializes in teaching instrument flying procedures, low level flight operations, air drops, and tilt-rotor air-to-air refueling.
Additionally, he works with local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units and Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts as well as providing aviation education subject matter expertise to students and teachers involved in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) curricula.
Adam R Stoughton, MCFI
Adam R Stoughton, a 1st-time Master and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC.
Adam is an assistant chief flight instructor, an online instructor and a courseware developer with California Aeronautical University’s school of aviation.
Additionally, he serves as a FAASTeam representative and remedial trainer the FAA’s San Diego FSDO.
Joel D Weaner, MCFI
Joel D Weaner, a 9-time Master and SAFE member, renewed his Master CFI accreditation December 15 through Master Instructors LLC.
Joel serves as a lead FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Orlando / North Florida FSDO.
He also owns and operates Beach Banners based at Jacksonville’s Craig Municipal Airport and provides aerial advertising services, aircraft rental, and tailwheel flight training.
Drew Marinelli, MCFI
Andrew Marinelli, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through Master Instructors LLC.
Drew is an independent flight and ground instructor with Precision Aviation Services at Youngstown’s Elser Metro Airport (4G4) where he specializes in flight reviews, primary, and instrument training.
He also serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Cleveland FSDO.