One day in 1995 I was contemplating how I was going to renew my FAA issued flight instructor certificate. Would I renew on activity, earn another rating, or sit through another FIRC (flight instructor revalidation course)? Since I was also a Colorado certified public school teacher, I was familiar with the renewal process for Colorado educators. In recent years, the process had changed from simply earning x number of additional college credits in five years to a much more appealing menu of experiential credits like traveling, learning a new language, volunteering, and professional development in addition to taking college classes. If a renewing educator could design a unique program to fit his/her individual desires, why couldn’t a CFI do the same?

Along with my husband and partner Sandy, I began working on a program for flight instructors based on activities that defined a professional. I came up with 5 categories of activity: Educator, Service to the Aviation Community, Creation of Educational Materials/Media, Continuing Education, and Participant in Aviation Events and Activities. The goal was to recognize the true professionals in flight instruction/education and provide an alternative means to CFI certificate renewal. The Master Instructor Program went live in 1997.

In 2002 the FAA granted CFI renewal with the Master Instructor designation. While more recently, changes within the FAA have made this no longer available. Now SAFE has been working with the FAA to reinstate certificate renewal for Master instructors.

During the past 25 years I have met the most amazing individuals who have devoted their lives to excellence in flight instruction. All have become friends and colleagues who wish to raise the bar of professionalism. I miss attending AirVenture and Sun ’n Fun where I got to meet most of them in person. The master instructor program created a whole new community and network of resources. I am so excited that SAFE has taken the Master Instructor program under its wing; it is a perfect fit. I know more good things are coming in the next 25 years. Written for MICEP’s 25th anniversary.

JoAnn HillFounder, MICEP · Master Instructor Emeritus

In a system where the flight instructor certificate too often is a means to another end, the Master Instructor Continuing Education Program is a beacon for those dedicated to raising the bar in aviation education.

Earning and maintaining a Master Instructor designation is a tremendous accomplishment. Yet the designation does not mean the person has become all-knowing. Rather, the designation identifies aviation educators who have a beginner’s mind. Educators who are always learning, always evolving. Those who seek to improve for the benefit of their students. For Master Instructors, teaching is not a pass-through, but a passion.

The program certainly accelerated my growth as a pilot and instructor. It introduced me to a wonderful community of similarly engaged educators. And the challenge and discipline designed into the program paved the way for receiving the prestigious National Flight Instructor of the Year and National FAASTeam Rep of the Year awards in 2006 and 2014, respectively.

Program founders JoAnn and Sandy Hill saw the need for a continuing education program. MICEP was the result. More than that, the Hills advocated for us—encouraging us, befriending us, valuing us. Led now by a capable team of Masters, the tradition of promoting excellence in aviation education continues.

I’m proud to be part of the Master Instructor Continuing Education Program. Congratulations on 25 years of service to professional aviation educators! Written for MICEP’s 25th anniversary.

Rich StowellMaster CFI-Aerobatic, Emeritus · 10 times · 2006 CFI of the Year · 2014 FAASTeam Rep of the Year

I earned my initial instructor certificate in 1995 and, after nearly 8000 hours of dual given, I am starting my 27th year as an aviation educator. Being a CFI was a deliberate choice at the beginning of my professional flying career. It allowed me to be active in aviation, and to be a mother and wife and have a more stable home and work balance. As a CFI, I wanted to represent myself in a way that indicated that I was not just collecting hours for my next flying job but was truly engaged in the development of the pilot I was training. I achieved my Gold Seal certification and felt that it was a step in the right direction, but it was a static credential. While it indicated that I had, at some point in my past, been actively teaching with good student success, it didn’t represent currency. (I know several Gold Seal instructors who are currently inactive.) I wanted something timelier and more relevant, and the MCFI accreditation was the logical choice. For me, it represents a continuous, and conscious, choice by an instructor to be the best they can be.

For many pilots, when we sit next to them as their CFI, we are truly the best part of their day. Our instructors have a front row seat to some of the biggest milestones in our life! They are an integral part of our individual aviation journeys, and I hold my aviation mentors in the highest regard. As a CFI, I wanted to be certain that I was worthy of that same distinction for those pilots that I worked with. The Master Instructor program challenges me to not only be the best educator I can be; it also keeps me well rounded as an aviator. The documentation of activities within my Master portfolio is an ongoing gentle reminder to maintain and enhance my knowledge and proficiency through professional development even as I teach, whether training new pilots or helping licensed pilots remain proficient. I continuously seek opportunities to hone my skill set, learn new methods, and give back to the aviation community that brought me forward; to be a better pilot, but also a better human. It is my hope that by living that example, I can give those who come after me a similar goal to challenge themselves to be the best that they can be.

Lara GaerteMaster CFI · 10 times · CFI, CFII, MEI · DPE

I am a firm believer that the consummate professional pilot is often easy to spot. How do you know who the consummate professional pilots are? What makes them stand out? Simple, they often have and demonstrate a unique set of characteristics. Professional Pilots: strive for excellence, they NEVER stop learning, they strive for competence, they are mentors, they are humble, and they are prepared. The Master Instructor program is my bedrock foundation that enables me to continually pursue each of these identified characteristics. The Master Instructor program has made me not only a better educator but a more proficient and safer pilot as I push myself to maintain my accreditation.

Matt JohnsonMaster CFI-Helicopter · 8 times · Helicopter DPE · FAASTeam Representative

I think the Master Instructor Program was the entire reason for the success I’ve had as a flight instructor and I highly recommend it to every professional CFI. I got involved in this program very early and am currently working on my seventh renewal.

Pilots are goal-oriented people. After I had earned all of my instructor ratings and worked for several years, I was running out of steam. The continuing education units you must accumulate to achieve Master accreditation got me again taking courses and instruction. It also pushed me into the public presentation arena.

The program is carefully constructed to recognize achievement, bring out the best in aviation educators, and to foster professional growth. Participation has “raised the bar” for me and led me to a greater appreciation for a true professional flight instructor. It is a privilege and an honor to be a member of the corps of Master Instructors.

David P. St GeorgeMCFI, MGI, DPE · Ithaca, NY

I’ve spent at least the past 3 years looking at MICEP. I really appreciate the program taking into account pro bono work. I am very passionate about helping others, especially those who are genuinely interested in becoming more knowledgeable pilots. I’ve flown professionally for a very long time, and I feel that part of my life’s purpose is to share what I’ve learned with others. I have little doubt that I would not be where I am today if those before me had not done the same for me. The fact that the MICEP program focuses on service, in part, is what led me to apply.

Joey KeaheyDirector of Aviation, Chief Pilot · 2025 CFI of the Year (Atlanta FSDO) · Designated Pilot Examiner

Ask any pilot what the most significant factor is for becoming a safe and confident pilot, and they will all tell [you] that it is a knowledgeable instructor that is interested in helping their students maximize their learning, improve their aeronautical decision making, and master their aircraft control skills. The structure of the Master Instructors Continuing Education Program helps me to focus on professional development activities that push me to grow and become a better instructor for my students.

Randy BrooksExecutive VP · Aviation Performance Solutions