Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored to announce that Todd Underwood, Winter Haven, FL has received his ninth accreditation as a Master Instructor.
He is a 40+ year ATP rated Pilot, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and Pilot Proficiency Examiner. He is a Gold Seal Certified Flight and Ground Instructor. Todd has been an Angel Flight Wing Leader and Flights for Life Volunteer and has received the Angel Flight Distinguished Pilot Award. Todd is also a CFF and MAPA-SF Certified Flight Instructor, a FAASTeam Lead Representative and a VPO and EMS. USFS Air Attack Pilot. Todd specializes in transitioning owner flyers to Turbo Props (PA46T, King Air 90-250, TBM 700-930, CE-425,441, PC-12) and Jets (CE-510, CE-525, EMB-505).
Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is honored to announce the Brian Robbins, Southampton, NJ has received his Eleventh accreditation as a Master Instructor. This achievement recognizes his more than twenty years of excellence as an Aviation Educator.
Brian is an ATP rated pilot and has flown 42 types of aircraft including ASEL, ASES and AMEL aircraft since his first Flight in 1982. He holds endorsements for High Performance, Complex and High Altitude Aircraft. Is a Gold Seal CFII, MEI and has been a Master Flight Instructor for the past 22 years. He has been a FAASTeam Lead Representative (Philadelphia) and an Aviation Safety Counselor prior to the FAASTeam being formed. He has flown South to the Bahamas, North to Canada, and to the East Coast from the West Coast in the USA. He enjoys promoting safe flight operations and helping clients learn how to resolve technical issues.
Master Instructors and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Granger, of Heber UT, has received his first accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatics.
Jeff started flying in 1972, obtained his Private Pilot in 1976 and Instrument rating in 1988. He has 3200 hours in a variety of GA and aerobatic aircraft and instructs at Pilot Makers Advanced Flight Academy in Provo, Utah.
He trained for aerobatics with Bill Thomas in 1995 and has owned and competed in the Steen Skybolt and Extra 200 and 300L. He flew regional contests in Sportsman, Intermediate and Advanced from 1995 to 2017.
Since retiring from his surgical career, he now owns and manages the Extra 300L for Pilot Makers and co-owns and manages the Super Decathlon. Along with other current and former Pilot Makers instructors he helped to form an IAC Chapter for Utah in 2022.
Obtaining a flight instructor certificate in 2019 he is now devoting energy to building a local reputation as an instructor for tail wheel, upset recovery, and aerobatics. Also, to volunteering for and supporting the IAC and the Utah Chapter as a judge for regional and national contests and mentor for new aerobatic competitors.
Michael C. Demulling of New Richmond, WI, a 10-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program.
Mike has managed New Richmond Regional Airport for the past 25 years, serves as the chief pilot for East Metro Jet Center, and is a volunteer pilot for the Saint Croix County Sheriff’s Department.
Additionally, he operates Mike Demulling Flight Instruction where he specializes in primary, instrument, recurrent, and Aerostar flight and ground training.
Kyle Vincent Thomas, MCFI
Kyle Vincent Thomas, MCFI
Kyle Vincent Thomas of Durant, Oklahoma, has been designated Master Certificated Flight Instructor (MCFI) for the eighth time. Kyle is a Designated Pilot Examiner and Chief Flight Instructor and Associate Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he has taught for 24 years, logging more than 4,000 hours as a flight instructor for private, commercial and instrument training.
Judy Phelps MCFI-Aerobatics
Judy Phelps, MCFI-A
Judy Phelps of Santa Paula, California recently renewed her Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation through the Master Instructor program and is now a 7-time Master. Judy, named National CFI of the Year in 2011, specializes in tailwheel, aerobatic and emergency maneuver training with CP Aviation (http://CPAviation.com/) at California’s Santa Paula Airport (SZP). She is a member of the International Aerobatic Club and is a charter member of SAFE. Judy also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Van Nuys FSDO area.
Mike Elliott of Tarpon Springs CA renewed his Master designated in March. He owns Mooney Pros, Inc., which provides FITS-based transition training for new Mooney pilots.
He is also a trainer for Mooney International, Inc, providing type-specific transition training for new Mooney Ultra owners, with a team of Mooney experts and Master instructors in his company
He is also the co-founder of the Mooney Summit, Inc., a 501(c)3 charity that has an annual educational conference and supports the Bill Gilliland foundation to aid downed Mooney pilots’ families at the time of their greatest need. He is also a FAASTeam Lead Representative, an AOPA Airport Support Network Volunteer and a founding pilot of Honor Flight
Jay Shears, MCFI
Jay Shears, MCFI
Jay Shears is a first-time Master Instructor and member of SAFE. He was recently granted the Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) status. This designation was awarded in recognition of Jay’s professional growth, excellence and commitment in providing quality education to the aviation community.
Jay is a CFII, FAASTeam Representative for the SLC FDO, an FAA Part 107 remote pilot and FAA DronePro.
Jay is also active developing programs within the aviation community as a “Youth in Aviation | Professional” with a commitment to creating awareness, training and opportunities for youth to pursue careers in aviation. Jay can be contacted at jays.emaili@icloud.com.
Clarke McNeace, MCFI
Clarke McNeace, MCFI
Clarke “Otter” McNeace, a 5-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program
Clarke is an internationally-recognized speaker and expert in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) as well as stall/spin awareness, aerobatics, and loss-of-control intervention training.
Additionally, he is the VP of Flight Operations & Standards of Aviation Performance Solutions LLC, a Part 61 and Part 141 flight school headquartered at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA), along with several other national and international venues.
Dan Keen, MCFI
Dan Keen, MCFI
Dan Keen of Lafayette, Indiana has earned his 11th Master Instructor designation.
Dan has been instructing since 1983. He served as Chief Pilot for Aretz Flying Services, a Part 141 flight school, and instructed for Purdue University’s School of Aviation Technology.
He became a Designated Pilot Examiner in 1990 and has worked for the FAA at the Indianapolis FSDO since 2004 as an Aviation Safety Inspector. In 2019 he successfully completed the course requirements to be recognized as an Advanced Aviation Safety Investigator.
Lonnie Hilkemeier, MCFI
Lonnie Hilkemeier, MCFI
Lonnie Hilkemeier, Senior Flight Instructor at Specialty Flight Training, Inc. (SFTI) in Boulder, CO, received the prestigious designation of Master Flight Instructor for the 12th time from Master Instructors, LLC.
His first designation was in 1998. For the past 22 years, Lonnie has upheld the professional and educational standards required to be a Master Instructor and has served as an aviation educator for 30 years.
In 2005, the FAA recognized Lonnie as the State of Colorado and the Northwest Mountain Region Flight Instructor of the Year. Lonnie continues to volunteer as a FAASTeam Representative for the Denver FSDO. He can be contacted at SFTI in Boulder at 303-530-0550.
Burt Stevens, of Woodbury CT, a 4-time Master and SAFE member, has renewed his Master CFI accreditation through Master Instructors LLC. Burt is a ground and flight instructor as well as past president of the Oxford Flying Club at Oxford Airport (OXC) where he specializes in primary, instrument, and multiengine training. He also serves as a FAASTeam lead representative for the FAA’s Windsor Locks FSDO.
A mechanical engineer and assistant professor at Darmstadt Technical University, Timm serves on the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) board of directors and is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP). He is also the chief flight instructor and president of the Darmstadt Flying Club as well as the chief instructor for COPA in Europe.
A former United States Air Force officer and instructor pilot (IP) who now flies for Aviation Performance Solutions LLC, Larry specializes in aerobatics, upset prevention, upset recovery, and simulator training for highly experienced pilots at Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY).
Michael is a flight, ground, and simulator instructor at Camarillo Airport (CMA) as well as CP Aviation, at Santa Paula Airport (SZP). A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Michael also serves on the Master Instructor Board of Review and is a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Van Nuys FSDO and is a former member of the SAFE Board of Directors. He is also a classroom instructor at California Aeronautics University and training staff at Wright Aviation Services (COS).
Parvez Dara, MCFI
Parvez Dara, MCFI
Parvez Dara of New Jersey, an 8-time Master Instructor as well as a member of SAFE’s board of directors, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through Master Instructors LLC.
Parvez presents seminars for EAA AirVenture, Redbird Flight Simulation and the American Bonanza Society BPPP. He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Philadelphia FSDO.
Doug Stewart, MCFI
Doug Stewart, MCFI
Douglas Stewart of South Egremont MA, an 11-time Master and a founding member of SAFE, renewed his Master CFI accreditation February 20 through Master Instructors LLC.
The 2004 National CFI of the Year, Doug owns and operates Doug Stewart Flight Instruction at Columbia County Airport (1B1) in Hudson, New York.
Doug was a founding member of SAFE and the organization’s first executive director, Doug authors materials for both pilot and flight instructor proficiency, and serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Albany & Windsor Locks FSDO
Jim Stover, MCFI
Jim Stover, MCFI
James L Stover of Fredericksburg VA, a 10-time Master and SAFE member, renewed his Master CFI accreditation February 20 through Master Instructors LLC.
A retired US Army infantry officer, Jim is the chief flight instructor at JLS Aviation, a Part 141 flight school at Shannon Airport (EZF), where he specializes in light sport through commercial flight training. Jim serves as Assistant Chief Flight Instructor for Aviation Adventures, Stafford, VA as well as a presenter for IMC.
He also serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA’s Richmond FSDO.
Among many contributions to aviation, Sandy, with his wife and partner JoAnn formed and managed the Master Instructor Program, which celebrates 25 years and over 1800 total MCFI certifications in 2020. Together they also revitalized the General Aviation Awards program in the early 2000s and motivated our industry ever-greater professionalism and excellence.
Aviation education legend, SAFE charter member and proud Marine, G. Alexander ‘Sandy’ Hill passed away at his home Thursday after a long illness. He will be missed by all his friends at SAFE and throughout our aviation family.
ThisYouTube highlights the amazingly productive professional contributions of Sandy and JoAnn throughout their careers together. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family at this difficult time. A Marine Guard funeral ceremony is planned for Jan 28th, followed by burial in Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Semper Fi Fund.
Sandy and JoAnn Flown to Airventure (in style) for 2018 “MCFI Reunion”
Master Instructors LLC (MI LLC) and its Board of Review take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of these very special aviation educators. Recently, they were all accredited through Master Instructors LLC’s https://MICEP. FluidReview.com/ by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority for the six (6) Master Instructor designations as well as the home of the industry acclaimed and FAA-recognized Master Instructor Continuing Education Program (MICEP)ä. (US Copyright Office registration number TX0006987479).
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 101,000 FAA-certificated CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 800 of them have earned Master accreditation thus far. As a measure of the significance and prestige associated with this title, twenty-four (24) of the last National Flight Instructors of the Year, National FAASTeam Representatives of the Year, or National Aviation Maintenance Techs (AMTs) of the Year were Masters (see: http://www. GeneralAviationAwards.org/) In addition, the FAA has approved the accreditation as an alternate means for CFIs to renew their biennial flight instructor certificates.
Professional aviation educators who earned or renewed their “Master” title during December 2019 are:
Robert Kloman “Bob” GAWLER, Master CFI Emeritus
Robert Kloman “Bob” GAWLER, Master CFI Emeritus
Gaithersburg MD
Bob’s e-mail address:RKGawler@gmail.com
Robert K Gawler, an 11-time Master and charter SAFE member, recently was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus (MIE) status through MI LLC’s https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education. Bob is an independent flight and ground instructor at Gaithersburg’s Montgomery County Airpark (GAI). He was one of the first aviation educators to earn the Master designation when the accreditation program was first introduced by then-FAA Administrator Barry Valentine at Oshkosh AirVenture 1997. A recently retired designated pilot examiner (DPE) , Bob also continues to work with the Maryland Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and serves as a FAASTeam representative with the FAA’s Baltimore FSDO area. (Photo: MCFI-E Bob Gawler of Gaithersburg, MD)
Quay Carlton SNYDER Jr, Master CFI
Quay Carlton SNYDER Jr, Master CFI
Monument CO
Quay’s e-mail address: ASW-19Pilot@comcast.net
Quay C Snyder, a 9-time Master (one of only 15 worldwide to earn the credential nine (9) times) and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC professionalism program https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ Quay is the president & CEO of Aviation Medicine Advisory Services specializing in aeromedical certification for pilots and air traffic controllers. Additionally, he is a pilot examiner (DPE) and FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Denver FSDO area as well as the Black Forest Soaring Society’s chief glider flight Instructor from 1999-2019 at Kelly Air Park (CO15). (Photo: MCFI Quay Snyder of Monument, CO)
Mark John SZPAK, Master CFI
Mark John SZPAK, Master CFI
Prescott Valley AZ
Mark’s e-mail address: MSMSzpak82@gmail.com SAFE member Mark Szpak has recently earned his second Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ A graduate of ERAU-Prescott, Mark provides flight, ground, and simulator instruction with JetWright Aviation LLCat Prescott’s Earnest Love Field(PRC), Cottonwood Airport (P52) and Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (KDVT). He specializes in flight instructor training and jet transition training. (Photo: MCFI Mark Szpak of Prescott Valley, AZ)
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and revered by industry. It is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.
Through their dedication to excellence, Masters have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry! High and low resolution photos are available upon request.
Please feel free to disseminate this information widely. Questions regarding the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä ( https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ ) and to locate other Masters, please visit www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/
Professional aviation educators who earned or renewed their “Master” title during November 2019 are:
Mark John SZPAK, Master CFI
Mark John SZPAK, Master CFI (renewal 20Nov19)
Prescott Valley AZ
Mark’s e-mail address: MSMSzpak82@gmail.com
SAFE member Mark Szpak has recently earned his second Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program.
A graduate of ERAU-Prescott, Mark provides flight, ground, and simulator instruction with JetWright Aviation LLCat Prescott’s Earnest Love Field(PRC), Cottonwood Airport (P52) and Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (KDVT).
He specializes in flight instructor training and jet transition training.
(Photo: MCFI Mark Szpak of Prescott Valley, AZ)
David James “Dave” MC VINNIE, Master CFI
David James “Dave” MC VINNIE, Master CFI(Renew: 15Nov19) Albuquerque NM
Dave’s e-mail address:DJM@McVinnieAviation.com
David J McVinnie, a 12-time Master and charter SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program.
Dave is the president of McVinnie Aviation LLCwhere he specializes in technically advanced aircraft flight and ground training.
A retired US Air Force veteran, he also serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Albuquerque FSDO area.
He was the seventh (7th) aviation educator to earn the Master designation when the accreditation program was introduced by then-FAA Administrator Barry Valentine during Oshkosh AirVenture 1997.
(Photo: MCFI Dave McVinnie of Albuquerque, NM)
Lara Zook GAERTE, Master CFI
Lara Zook GAERTE, Master CFI (Renew: 31Oct19)
Fort Wayne IN
Lara’s e-mail address:LaraGaerte@gmail.com
Lara Gaerte, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC MICEP program.
Lara is the president of the Air Race Classic and serves as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Grand Rapids FSDO area.
Additionally, she is the CEO, chief pilot and manager of Century Aviation, a full-service FBO at Indiana’s DeKalb County Airport (GWB).
(Photo: MCFI Lara Gaerte of Fort Wayne, IN)
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and revered by industry. It is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.
Through their dedication to excellence, Masters have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry! High and low resolution photos are available upon request.
Please feel free to disseminate this information widely. Questions regarding the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä ( https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ ) and to locate other Masters, please visit www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/
Professional aviation educators who earned or renewed their “Master” title during October 2019 are:
William Ralph “Bill” GROSS, Master CFI
William Ralph “Bill” GROSS, Master CFI (Renew: 27Oct19)
Salina KS
E-mail: BGross@KSU.edu
William R Gross, a 9-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation through through the Master Instructors LLC’s MICEP programhttps://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ The holder of the FAA’s coveted Wright Brothers Master Pilot award, Bill is the Part 141 chief flight instructor as well as a professor of aviation at Kansas State University’s Polytechnic Campusat Salina Municipal Airport (SLN). Specializing in flight and ground training as well as classroom instruction, he also serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Wichita FSDO area.
(Photo: MCFI Bill Gross of Salina, KS)
Kelly Lynn MANZANI, Master CFI
Kelly Lynn MANZANI, Master CFI (Renew: 25Oct19)
Temecula CA
Kelly’s e-mail address: KManzani4@gmail.com
Kelly Manzania, a 1st-time Master CFI and SAFE member, recently earned her national Master CFI accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC Master Instructor Continuing Education Program (MICEP) Kelly works as an FAA certificated flight and ground instructor primarily with Executive Flight Institute, a Part 141 Cessna Pilot Center at Murrieta’s French Valley Airport (F70). When not serving as an aviation educator, she is a longtime classroom teacher with the Temecula Valley School District as well as a founder and advisor for the Scouts Aviation Explorer Post 7500.
(Photo: MCFI Kelly Manzani of Temecula, CA)
Nicholas Guy “Nick – Outback” TREGLIA, Master CFI-Aerobatic
Nicholas Guy “Nick – Outback” TREGLIA, Master CFI-Aerobatic (Initial: 19Oct19)
Enterprise AL
Nick’s e-mail address: Nicholas.Treglia@APSTraining.com Nick “Nick – Outback” Treglia, a 2-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation through the Master Instructors LLC’s MICEP program. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the United States Navy (USN), Nick is a retired Naval Aviator who specializes in upset prevention, recovery, stall / spin, and aerobatic training. He teaches with Aviation Performance Solutions LLC at Dothan Regional Airport (DHN) in Dothan, Alabama.
(Photo: MCFI-A Nick Treglia of Enterprise, AL)
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and revered by industry. It is earned by a candidate through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels continuing education regimens used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those “Teachers of Flight,” who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.
Through their dedication to excellence, Masters have earned their “black belts” in aviation education. They truly represent the crème de la crème of the aviation industry! High and low resolution photos are available upon request.
Please feel free to disseminate this information widely. Questions regarding the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com For more information about the Master Instructor Continuing Education Programä ( https://MICEP.FluidReview.com/ ) and to locate other Masters, please visit www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/
