Author: Master Instructor mediator

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is pleased to announce that Craig Agapie of Ada, Michigan has received his first accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatic.

As an Indiana native, Craig earned degrees from Indiana State University in both Professional Aviation and Aerospace Administration after being influenced by his dad, an aviation lover and airline mechanic. Following college, he flew cargo for seven years, was furloughed, and then started a nonprofit auto repair shop in downtown Fort Wayne. The successful shop served many low-income families who relied on their vehicles to maintain a job and support themselves, and by the time Craig departed its mission included training youth who were aging out of the foster system. 

Craig returned to aviation through a local flight school teaching aerobatics part-time (a college love). The flight school wanted to create a Part 135 charter department to serve local clientele, and he joined full-time to develop and run the department as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot, growing it from one Cirrus SR22T to five airplanes, including a jet and PC-12. He was thrilled to join Otter Air Services in the summer of 2021 and be part of such a great management team! Craig married his wife Rachel in 2006, and they have five boys: Stephen, Andrew, Daniel, Joshua, and Luke. He enjoys teaching and learning about aerobatics in his Pitts S-2A with his company, CNC Aerobatics, or about cars or finances, or volunteering at church.

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is pleased to announce that James Alexander of Fort Defiance, Virginia, has received his Second accreditation as a Master Ground Instructor. Jim found his passion for aviation at a small local airshow at age 11 and has been a Private Pilot since his 17th birthday. He has a degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, and his long aviation career includes being a retired US Air Force Instructor/Evaluator Navigator, a former NASA Flight Engineer, and Chief of Safety at the University of Maryland UAS Research & Operations Center. 

In the past two years he’s instructed 12-week Private Pilot ground schools for minority youth aspiring to be pilots, taught a full semester aviation science course as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, supported the Civil Air Patrol’s Robert Ayres National Flight Academy as a ground instructor, and completed his tenure as Chair of the Airport Advisory Board for St. Mary’s County Regional Airport (2W6). He currently serves as a Crew Resource Management instructor, and maintains the free website he created with references and resources for general aviation pilots (https://vfraviation.wordpress.com/). Jim has been a lifelong aviation enthusiast and enjoys being an instructor to help others on their aviation journeys. His current flying goals are to continue learning new things and have new challenges and experiences. He recently completed his gyroplane rating and is on a quest to fly as many different aircraft types as possible.

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored announce that Lara Zook Gaerte of Fort Wayne, Indiana has received her Tenth accreditation as a Master Flight Instructor. She joins Pat Knight, Master Instructor Emeritus, as the only women to achieve this extraordinary accomplishment of more than twenty years of recognition for excellence as professional Aviation Educators.

Lara is an active DPE with the Grand Rapids FSDO. As a corporate pilot, she flies a Cessna Citation Bravo. When not testing or flying corporate aircraft; she teaches as an independent CFI, primarily working with aircraft owners to customize the curriculum and training for their equipment and avionics, focusing on proficiency and airmanship.

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is pleased to announce that Robert Mitchell of Enterprise, Alabama has received his Second Accreditation as a Master Flight Instructor. Robert, owner of StrikeHawk Aviation flight school, has dedicated most of his adult life to military and civilian flight instruction. He has been an active CFI for 38 consecutive years and has logged more than 10,000 flight hours, including 500 combat flight hours. He currently works for CAE at the Dothan Training Center as an advanced international military instructor pilot, specializing in upset prevention and recovery training. He volunteers much of his time to organizations such as the EAA Young Eagles program and the Troy University Air Force ROTC You Can Fly Scholarship program.

Robert is a graduate of the University of Toledo, where he was a starting wide receiver for the Rocket football team. He holds master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the U.S. Army War College. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Global Leadership at Troy University. Now retired after serving 30 years in the United States Army and a career as aeromedical evacuation officer, he has served in numerous command and staff positions, including two combat tours. In 2004-2005, he served as a Medevac battalion commander in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired in 2014 with the rank of colonel. 

Master Instructors and the Society is pleased to announce that Kelly Manzini of Temecula, California has received her Fourth Accreditation as a Master Instructor. Kelly served for 19 years as a public-school educator, primarily in the Temecula Unified School District. She earned a BA in Liberal Studies, MA in Curriculum and Instruction, holds her California K-12 Multiple Subject, Professional Clear Teaching Credential, as well as a supplemental mathematics authorization. 

Kelly’s aviation journey began in 2008 when her older son started flying at the age of 14. After he was hired as a commercial pilot, she and his younger brother earned their Private Pilot Certificates. While working full time as an educator, she earned her CFI/CFI-I in 2017 and began flight instructing part time, while also forming and leading an aviation youth program. By 2019, she achieved her Gold Seal and first accreditation of Master CFI. 

Kelly’s aviation experience, skills and leadership are evident. After retiring from education in 2021, she served as a 141 Chief Instructor/Pilot and continued her service in the Aviation youth program, EAA’s Young Eagles, and Pilots n Paws. She now holds an ATP, is PIC typed in the CE525, is a Pilot/Safety Officer for a 135 Charter company and recently became a DPE with the Riverside FSDO. Kelly’s passion for aviation, the community, and the growth of safety-oriented pilots is paramount. When she is not flying, she enjoys relaxing with her husband of 36 years. Although not an aviator, he enjoys “talking shop” with their sons who are both settled in their aviation careers (Pilot/American Airlines and Controller/TRACON).

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored to welcome Scott Hutchinson of Missouri City, Texas into the Community of Master Aviation Educators with his First Accreditation as Master Flight Instructor.

Scott is a CFII specializing in advanced training for high-performance and complex aircraft, with deep expertise in the Cessna 210/T210/P210 series. He provides initial, transition, and recurrent instruction for private, instrument, commercial, and instructor candidates across the Houston area and nationwide, emphasizing systems knowledge, engine management, and modern avionics integration for real-world IFR. Scott authored a comprehensive Cessna P210/T210 transition and recurrent syllabus and regularly mentors CFIs while volunteering as a pilot with Angel Flight South Central. He is active in the aviation community through organized airshow education and ongoing safety engagement.

Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is pleased to announce that Matthew Speare of Summerfield, North Carolina, has received his second accreditation as a Master Flight Instructor.

Matt serves as President of the Lancair Owners & Builders Organization (LOBO), where he leads national efforts to enhance safety, training, and community engagement among Lancair pilots and builders. A seasoned aviator and Certified Flight Instructor, Matt has developed comprehensive transition and recurrent training programs tailored to the unique performance and handling characteristics of Lancair aircraft. Under his direction, LOBO has strengthened partnerships with the FAA, EAA, and Type Club Coalition, expanded educational outreach, and achieved record attendance at national events such as the LOBO Forum at Oshkosh and the LOBO Landing in Murfreesboro. 

A retired U.S. Army AH-64 Apache pilot, Matt brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to aviation safety and instruction. He is a dual Master Instructor through both the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional excellence and continuing education. An active FAA FAASTeam Representative and volunteer pilot for Angel Flight Soars, Matt also contributes to humanitarian and community service missions. His dedication to mentorship, safety, and lifelong learning continues to elevate general aviation and inspire pilots across the experimental aircraft community.

Master Instructors is honored to announce that Kenneth Solosky of Mineola, New York, has received his Second Accreditation as a Master Ground Instructor. Ken began learning to fly in 1988 and earned his private, instrument, commercial airplane, and ATP ratings at Farmingdale’s Republic-Airport. He is retired from the NYPD Aviation Unit as a Lieutenant & Chief Pilot. In that role he helped lead the Aviation Unit during the September 11 terrorist attacks. He is a ATP-Airplane/Helicopter, Certified Flight Instructor-Helicopter, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor and sUAS Part 107 (drone) Pilot, and volunteers as a FAAST Team Representative for the Farmingdale FSDO.

Ken teaches at the Airborne Public Safety Association’s Annual Conference and has taught domestically and internationally and is a regular contributor to the Airborne Public Safety Association Association’s magazine “Airbeat.” Ken is the lead ground instructor for Nassau Flyers for their private and instrument ground schools. He is also Associate Professor of Aviation at the State University of New York (SUNY) Farmingdale and teaches undergraduate aviation courses. He is currently employed by Northwell Health and among varied duties he is the Chief Pilot for their sUAS program and is a line pilot flying a Bell 407. He also flies a corporate Agusta A109.  Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from St. John’s University in Public Administration and a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He lives in Mineola with his wife, Susan, and their two sons, Kenneth, and Patrick.

Master Instructors is honored to announce that David McVinnie of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has received the title of Master Instructor for the Fifteenth time. Dave is the first Master Instructor to achieve this milestone, which recognizes his more than thirty years as a professional Aviation Educator with this prestigious designation.

Dave has instructed for over 40 years, with 31 of those years based in New Mexico. He is a past CFI of the Year in the Southwest Region and a recently retired Designated Pilot Examiner for the Albuquerque FSDO. He stepped down as a DPE to return to his primary calling as a Flight Instructor and continues to provide insurance-accepted instruction in the PA-46 community. He also provides primary and advanced instruction for aircraft owners.

Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Thomas Sando of Williston, North Dakota has received his Second Designation as a Master Aviation Educator, recognizing his dedication to excellence in classroom teaching. There are only two Master Aviation Educators with this designation, and Thomas is the only educator at the high school level.

Thomas is an aviation educator and flight instructor in Williston, North Dakota. He teaches Aviation Technology at Williston High School and the Williston Basin Career and Technical Education Center, where he has inspired students for the past five years through the AOPA STEM curriculum.

 In addition to his classroom work, he serves as a Certified Flight Instructor at Overland Aviation, guiding new pilots at Williston Basin International Airport. Thomas earned his pilot certificate in 2013, followed by his Certified Flight Instructor rating in 2022. He holds Instrument Ground Instructor and Multi-Engine ratings and is an FAA Safety Team representative. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aviation Business Administration and a minor in Airport Management. His passion for aviation began when he first flew with his uncle over northern Idaho in a Titan Tornado. That early spark grew into a lifelong commitment to teaching, and finds the greatest reward in seeing his students’ excitement during their first discovery flights and later welcoming them as professional peers. Thomas believes deeply in the value of hard work, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation of aviators.

Master Instructors is honored to announce that Doug Auclair of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, has earned his Fifth Master Flight Instructor Accreditation. of Air Ventures Flying School.Doug has been a professional pilot and instructor for over two decades. He is the founder and Chief Flight Instructor of Air Ventures Flying School and is also owner of Newport Aviation. His leadership has helped guide hundreds of students to successful flight tests, careers in aviation, and a deeper love for flight. Doug’s continued achievement places him among an elite group of aviation educators dedicated not only to advancing their own skills, but to elevating the standards of flight training across the industry.

Doug’s achievement reflects his steadfast belief that flight instructors should be lifelong learners, always growing in order to be as impactful and effective as possible. “I’m incredibly honored to earn this designation for the fifth time,” Doug said. “It’s not just about staying current—it’s about leading by example, giving our students the very best, and shaping the future of aviation one pilot at a time.” Please join us in congratulating Doug on this well-earned achievement!

Master Instructors is honored to welcome a new member to the Master Instructor Community. Christopher Baye of North St. Paul, MN has received his first accreditation as a Master Flight Instructor.

Christopher Baye is a life-long adventurer and educator with a particular interest in applications of technology to access environments otherwise inhospitable to the human form. He is employed as an Engineering Manager for a multi-national manufacturer of industrial sensors and controls. He is a qualified Submariner, Navy Scuba Diver, Recreational Diving Instructor, Motorsports Instructor and Flight Instructor. Christopher is keenly interested in the systems, structures and philosophy that allows motivated and interested participants to safely participate in activities that contain risks not encountered in daily life. Christopher is a member of two flying clubs at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area. He co-owns a Van’s RV-6A that is used primarily for cross-country touring and flying for the fun of it! Christopher’s teaching focuses on practical piloting skills for the aviator that uses their plane for personal business or pleasure.

Master Instructors is honored to announce that Jean-Michel Karr of Chêne-Bougeries, Switzerland has received his Second Accreditation as a Master Instructor. Jean-Michel is an ATP/CFI/CFII AGI/IGI and EASA flight and instrument examiner FE-IRE-CRE(A) and FI-IRI-CRI(A) instructor. He has been an active instructor since 2006 and works pro bono as Head of Training in a non-commercial flight school in Geneva, Switzerland.  His areas of focus are environmental moderation in flight with the usage of approved simulators, low-carbon aircraft, and the Pipistrel Velis Electro. He also bridges the transatlantic gap by helping pilots convert or make the most of their FAA certificates and EASA licenses. With a background in software engineering, design and quality, Jean-Michel has primarily dedicated a quarter of century to public service in his Geneva community.

Master Instructors is pleased to welcome Joey Keahey of Hampton, Georgia to the Community of Master Instructors with his First Designation as a Master CFI. Joey shares his story: “I learned to fly at a grass strip runway located on the family’s farm in Hampton. As a pilot for more than 30 years and an instructor for 25 years, I have been fortunate to have flown many different aircraft, including tailwheel airplanes like the Piper J3 Cub, seaplanes, helicopters, and jets. I’ve spent more than 20 years in corporate aviation, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. However, my real passion is teaching and helping others become safer, more knowledgeable, and more proficient pilots. I enjoy sharing my aviation experiences with the younger generation of pilots and seeing them progress through their own personal journey. It is a privilege to be able to fly as a profession; every flight still excites me. But it is a profound honor to be able train someone who has never flown an aircraft develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be able to fly, to watch them solo for the first time, and share in their joy when they earn their certificate. When I became a CFI, I did so because I have always enjoyed learning new things. It was the next logical step in my aviation journey. But little did I know the profound impact I would make on others. Being of service to others and contributing to their success, at least in some small way, is what motivates me to do more.”