Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators welcomes First Time Master Instructor-Aerobatic Jason Smith of Cave Creek, Arizona to the Master Instructor Community. Jason is a member of the flight training team at Aviation Performance Solutions, providing Upset Prevention and Recovery Training and aerobatics in the Extra 300 and Siai-Marchetti S211.
Jason’s career began with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1991. He attained his wings in 1992 and stayed on as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI), moving up from the Standards Section and Flying Instructor’s School to train QFI candidates. He has trained on the CF-18 multi-role fighter at Cold Lake, Alberta and flew combat missions during NATO Operation Allied Force. Jason then accepted an Exchange position at the US Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland AFB, where he worked as an aircraft mishap investigator for four years. Jason’s next assignment took him back to the RCAF where he instructed on the CT-155 Hawk jet as a Flight Commander, Instrument Evaluator, Operations Officer, and ultimately as Chief Flying Instructor.
Upon retiring from the RCAF in 2009, Jason accepted a contract Instructor Pilot position to train Royal Saudi Air Force Cadets at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, flying the Pilatus PC-9. He remained in this role for six years before returning to North America and into his current roles. Jason has accumulated over 7500 flying hours with more than 5200 hours of all-attitude dual instruction given.
Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is delighted to welcome Leonora Pallotta of Lebanon, Ohio to the Community of Master Instructors. Leonora shares her story:
“My passion for aviation began when I was 15 years old after my first discovery flight. I began my flight training at 17 and completed my first solo in a Piper J-3 Cub at the age of 18, an experience that strengthened my passion for stick-and-rudder flying and laid the foundation for my career as a flight instructor.
Today, I am a Certified Flight Instructor dedicated to developing safe, confident, and proficient pilots through personalized, high-quality flight instruction. I specialize in tailwheel operations, spin training, and instruction for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) applicants. As an instructor, I emphasize stick-and-rudder skills, aeronautical decision-making, risk management, and professionalism. I believe effective flight instruction extends beyond meeting certification standards by building confidence, sound judgment, and a lifelong commitment to safety and continuous learning.
Throughout my aviation career, I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors whose guidance shaped both my skills and my passion for teaching. Their investment in my growth inspires me to give back by mentoring aspiring pilots and helping them achieve their goals. Earning the Master Instructor designation reflects my commitment to lifelong learning, instructional excellence, and advancing the quality of aviation education.
Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is happy to announce that David McCormack of Pensacola, Florida has received his second accreditation as a Master Instructor. Below he describes his story:
Aviation has been a constant since 2003. Since transitioning to civilian aviation following my retirement from the USAF, I’ve focused on the pilot pipeline and complex aircraft transitions. Whether I’m sitting right-seat in a PA-46, conducting check rides as a CAP Command Check Pilot Examiner, or volunteering with the FAASTeam to advance local safety, I have found that my role as an educator is as demanding and rewarding as my time on active duty. My background taught me that a mission is only as strong as the leadership supporting it, and I bring that same perspective to my civilian students as pilots-in-command.
Off the flightline, I’m a dedicated husband and father. Look down and waive to me some time boating or wakeboarding with my family, otherwise I’m hitting the gym, golfing, or training for the (very) occasional half-marathon. Earning the Master Instructor designation is my way of staying accountable. It serves as a necessary reality check that demands I remain active as both a mentor and a perpetual student. I believe that no matter how much time we have in our logbooks, the learning never actually stops. This program is my commitment to ensuring I provide the high standards our aviation community deserves.
Master instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored to announce that David St. George of Ithaca, New York has received his fifteenth accreditation as a Master Instructor. This is an extraordinary accomplishment which recognizes his more than thirty years of excellence as an Aviation Educator.
David has been a pilot for over 50 years. He earned his CFIA in 1991 and managed an FAA-approved 141 school as chief instructor for over twenty years, accumulating over 16,000 hours of dual instruction given. Honored in the 1990s by the FAA for being selected as a Designated Pilot Examiner, David has conducted over 3500 FAA evaluations at all levels and completed 30 consecutive years as a Master Instructor. David is a lifetime member of SAFE (The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators) and retired this year as the Executive Director after reaching a membership goal of 8,000 active members. Throttle on!