Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored to announce that Donald Kaye of Santa Clara, California, has received his Thirteenth Accreditation as a Master Instructor. This is an extraordinary accomplishment that recognizes his commitment to professionalism and excellence as an Aviation Educator.
Born in Canton, Ohio, Donald was interested in aviation from an early age. After getting his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1968 he earned his Private Pilot’s License. In 1992 he turned his full attention to flying after more than two decades working in real estate. After earning his Instrument Rating, he purchased a Mooney M20M Bravo. Thereafter, he achieved his Instructor and Instrument Instructor Ratings and started teaching full time, specializing in teaching all models of Mooneys, then earned his ATP certification.
For many years he has taught at both the Mooney Pilot Proficiency Course and its corresponding Mountain Flying Course. After one of his students bought a King Air C90, he earned his Multiengine and Multiengine Instructor Ratings and began also teaching the Multiengine Rating. Shortly thereafter, the same student bought a CJ1and the Citation CE-525S ATP was added to his credentials. With 13,300 hours of total GA time, 7,300 hours have been devoted to teaching . He has been willing to travel to Canada, Australia and even North Dakota in the middle of January to assist those interested in learning the art of flying. With the experience gained in the new technology in his Mooney, Don has been guiding students on both purchases of such technology and on how best to use it to provide for the safest flight possible.