Master Instructors is honored to announce that Kyle Thomas of Durant, Oklahoma has been named a Master Instructor for the Tenth time. Kyle’s first Master CFI designation was in March of 2006, a designation he has held continuously since that time. This extraordinary accomplishment recognizes his more than twenty years as an Aviation Educator, committed to excellence, professionalism, safety and education. Kyle is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and an Associate Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Aerospace Sciences Institute. He serves the university as the Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor and Flight Operations Manager, a position he has held for 28 years. He enjoys working with young pilots and especially mentoring beginning flight instructors. He’s active in the local aviation community and serves as a longtime advisor to the university’s flight team. Kyle’s certificates and ratings include ATP and Certified Flight Instructor-Airplane SE, ME, and Instrument. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Kyle and his wife Traci live in Durant and have two daughters, Allyson and Chloe.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that James Ratliff of Houston, Texas has received his First accreditation as a Master Instructor. Jim is a Platinum CSIP and currently serves as the Chief Flight Instructor at Tidal Aviation, a Platinum Cirrus Training Center with locations at Houston Executive Airport (KTME) and Conroe North Houston Executive Airport (KCXO). Jim is a former USAF Fighter Pilot and Fighter Weapons School instructor, having flown the A-7D Corsair, A-10 Warthog, and F-5E Tiger II. He has accumulated over 18,000 hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. He started dreaming of being a pilot when he was around 5 years old, and still enjoys flying and teaching others to fly to this day.