Master Instructors is honored to announce that Mike “Cuckoo” Kloch is a Three-Time Master CFI – Aerobatic. Mike is a former Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot, combat veteran, and school trained Aviation Safety Officer (Naval Postgraduate School). He is the owner and Chief Flight Instructor at Specialized Aero Works, LLC in Bend, Oregon. Mike teaches UPRT, aerobatics, formation, tailwheel, turbine aircraft, and more. He is a contract test pilot and instructor for Epic Aircraft, Stratos Aircraft, Elite Pilot services, kit builders, and others. He has Production, certification, and R&D flight test experience. Mike is a two-time NAFI Master CFI/CFII/MEI and an FAA Safety Team Representative. He is also a member of Master Instructors Board of Review.
Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University and 2 AAS Aviation degrees from Central Oregon Community College. He is also Commercial and Instrument rated in helicopters with Night Vision Goggles qualifications. Mike is a co-founder and board member for the Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Network (UPRN), whose mission is to identify, promote, and maintain best practices for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) in General Aviation.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Matt Johnson of Fairfield Township, Ohio has received his Eighth Accreditation as a Master CFI-Helicopter. Matt is committed to providing first class personalized flight instruction and services. An experienced FAA Gold Seal flight instructor offering real-world training, Matt is an accomplished pilot and instructor. He is also an FAA authorized Designated Pilot Examiner in the Southwest Ohio region. Matt also contributes to Rotorcraft Pro Magazine, where he authors the “Rotorcraft Checkride” Column.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Adam Boyd of Cabot, Arkansas, is now a Three-Time Master Certificated Flight Instructor. Adam holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with multiple ratings, as well as an Aircraft Dispatcher and Remote Pilot Certificate. He has served 20 years in the USAF and Air National Guard in multiple roles to include instructing and evaluating U.S and Allied Pilots in the C-130. Adam tailors his civilian flight instruction to instrument and instructor ratings. He is a Designated Pilot Examiner for the Little Rock FSDO, where he serves as a FAASTeam Representative and enjoys flying his RV-4.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Randall Brooks of Queens Creek, Arizona has received his sixth accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatic. He continues to represent excellence and a commitment to education and professionalism that is at the core of Aviation Performance Solutions, which has a number of Master Instructors-Aerobatic on their team. Randall has been delivering Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) for over 15 years. UPRT has progressed steadily in sophistication and effectiveness over this time through a focus on providing transferable skill sets for all pilots, and the integration of on-aircraft and flight simulation training platforms. Randall is grateful to be able to provide pilots with life-saving skills not addressed adequately by traditional licensing training.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Tobias Rice of Dickson, Tennessee has received his second accreditation as a Master Instructor.
Toby is a flight instructor mentor and aviation business coach who helps independent CFIs build premium, high-impact businesses. Through his consulting programs, he shows instructors how to skip the hourly grind, attract better clients, and deliver real transformation—not just checkride prep. His approach blends strategic positioning, flat-rate offer design, and deep instructional excellence, helping CFIs become trusted experts in their niche. Toby doesn’t just teach the model—he lives it. He trains high-performance aircraft owners through his company, Wingman Flight Academy, providing real-world, structured flight training that builds clarity, capability, and confidence in complex flight environments. He also flies a Citation ISP out of Nashville as a part-time jet captain and maintains active instructional roots with over 120 aircraft types flown. Toby’s work is grounded in simplicity, results, and impact—both in the cockpit and in business.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Matt Prevatt of Phoenix, Arizona, has been awarded the prestigious designation of Master Instructor-Aerobatic for the first time. As an advanced UPRT Instructor with Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), Matt is an Upset Prevention and Recovery Training expert. In this role, Matt, along with the entire APS team of Master Instructors , trains pilots to overcome Loss of Control in Flight, the #1 fatal threat across all aviation sectors.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Raymond F “Ray” Spengler Jr, has been awarded the title of Master Flight Instructor for the tenth consecutive time (20 years). Currently a SAFE member (Society of Aviation and Flight Educators), former member of the SAFE board of directors, and current board member of the FSANA DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) National Review Board, he recently renewed his Master Flight Instructor accreditation through the Master Instructors Continuing Education Program (MICEP). Ray serves in the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and as the FAA FAASTeam lead safety representative in the Northeast Texas area. He is also the president of Skypark Aviation LLC, a Cessna Pilot Training Center located at the East Texas Regional Airport (KGGG), and has specialized in primary, instrument, and advanced flight training for the last 23 years and has over 11,900 hours of pilot time in over 60 different makes and models of airplanes and helicopters.
Master Instructors is honored to welcome the newest member of the Master Instructor Community. H. Michael Miley of Glen Ellyn, Illinois has received his First Accreditation as a Master Aviation Educator.
Mike is an aviation professional, educator, and leadership expert with over 30 years of experience in aviation, technology, and organizational development. As a commercial pilot and CFII, he combines technical expertise with a passion for mentorship, equipping flight instructors and aviation leaders with strategies to enhance training programs and organizations. An adjunct faculty member at the College of DuPage, Mike teaches aviation management, ground school, and sUAS courses, ensuring students receive industry-aligned instruction. As a board member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, he advocates for advancing flight instruction standards through lifelong learning and professional development.
Beyond aviation, Mike has held leadership roles at Apple and Jamf, applying innovation and technology to education. His PhD dissertation in Business Strategy and Innovation from Capella University explored how organizational innovativeness influences airline pilots’ perception of employer attractiveness—insights valuable to flight schools and airlines refining recruitment strategies. Alongside his wife, Mike co-leads Miley Performance Group, specializing in strategic planning, leadership coaching, and fostering innovation. Through this work, he partners with organizations to develop forward-thinking leaders and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Elaine Kauh of Janesville, Wisconsin, has received her Eighth Designation as a Master Instructor. Elaine is a CFI-I and professional pilot specializing in Tailwheel and High-Performance aircraft training. Her focus is working with active IFR and VFR pilots to improve their knowledge, cockpit management and stick-and-rudder skills, helping them become safer and more confident aviators. She holds a number of roles as an Aviation Educator, including Adjunct Instructor at Fox Valley Technical College, helping students learn the art and science of flight instruction. She is also an Instructor for EAA’s Pilot Proficiency Center VFR and IFR Workshops, which offer classroom training and dual sessions in Redbird Advanced Aviation Training Devices. As a Lead Representative for the Wisconsin FAASTeam, she enjoys collaborating with other Educators to present safety seminars around the state. Elaine’s reach as a pilot and Educator goes well beyond Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor for IFR magazine, a contributing CFI-I for Pilot Workshops and is co-host of the new podcast Aviation Intrigue.
It is an extraordinary honor for Master Instructors to announce that Hobart “Hobie” Tomlinson has been recognized as a Master Instructor for the Twelfthtime and Master Instructor Emeritus for the Second time. Hobie, based in Burlington, Vermont, became an Emeritus two years ago, then decided that he was not ready to stop sharing his genius with the aviation community. Hobie soloed in 1960, obtained his initial CFI in 1965, was a DPE from 1977 thru 2022, and has been a continually active CFI for 60 Years. He holds ASEL, ASES, AMEL, and AMES Class Ratings at the ATP Level, plus 9 Turbojet Type Ratings, in addition to Advanced & Instrument Ground Instructor ratings. He also holds Airframe & Powerplant, Flight Engineer and Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates. Hobie served as Director of Operations for a combination Part 141/135 Flight School & Charter Company from 1973 – 1988.
He joined TWA in 1967 and rose thru the ranks from Flight Engineer to B747 Fleet Mgr. / Director of Training Eastern Region, Retiring from American Airlines in 2004. Subsequently, he worked as Director of Safety/Check Airman for Heritage Aviation’s Charter Dept. from 2004 until 2012, then became an Independent CFI.
Hobie was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2010, the EAA “Spirit of Flight Award” from Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 2012 and was the FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year in 2012. He’s a graduate of SCSI SMS Training Course and CalSpan’s In-Flt LCI Upset Recovery Course for Transport Aircraft, using their Variable Stability Lear 24. He also served on the ATA Upset Recovery Committee and later led a team that developed TWA’s AQP Program. Hobie specializes in advanced training in Beechcraft & Cirrus aircraft, holding BRFI & CSIP qualifications. He has 42,150 hours, 17,023 Flight Instruction Hours, with 1028 North Atlantic Crossings. Currently 81 years old, his favorite airplanes were the Twin Beech 18 & B757.
Master Instructors is pleased to welcome Jason Archer of New Britain, Connecticut to the Community of Master Instructors for the first time. Jason is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of pedagogy working in flight schools, planetariums, science centers, universities and aviation museums. With more than 3500 hours of dual given in over 30 aircraft models, he is a Gold Seal Instructor, 2021 CFI of the Year for the BDL FSDO, a 2021 AOPA Distinguished Flight Instructor and the 2018 FAASTeam Rep of the Year for the BDL FSDO. As the Chief Flight Instructor for Berkshire Aviation at the Great Barrington Airport (KGBR) in Massachusetts. Jason specializes in stick and rudder, primary, tailwheel, and instrument training. He has over a decade of experience writing curriculum for and using flight simulation as a teaching tool. He regularly lectures for aviation groups around throughout the Northeast, is a member of the EAA Speaker’s Bureau, and contributes to various aviation groups including the FAA. With a degree in Astronomy, he is Director of the Glastonbury Planetarium where he lectures on astronomy and aerospace content. Jason works to create safe, skillful, and knowledgeable aviators for their entire career. Jason holds a CFI-I, CFI-G, MEI, AGI, IGI, SES certificates.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Paul “BJ” Ransbury of Queen Creek, Arizona has been awarded the Master Certified Flight Instructor-Aerobatic designation for the Eighth Time, recognizing his continued dedication to excellence in aviation safety and loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) mitigation. BJ is the CEO of Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), the global leader in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). With a background spanning military, airline, and corporate aviation, he has spent over two decades advancing pilot training strategies to reduce LOC-I, aviation’s leading cause of fatalities. BJ is a former Royal Canadian Air Force F/A-18 fighter pilot and Airbus A320 airline pilot, and his expertise directly influences APS’s Every Pilot In Control – Solution Standard (EPIC-S2), ensuring that pilots of all backgrounds develop real-world UPRT skills beyond regulatory minimums. BJ has also served as Chairman of the NBAA Safety Committee (2022-2024) and regularly speaks at major industry events.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Mark King of Santa Paula, California has received his Fourth Accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatic. Mark has been teaching Rich Stowell’s Emergency Maneuver Training Course for over 10 years and is a full-time instructor at CP Aviation in Santa Paula. He also specializes in CFI-Initial Training, CFI Spin Endorsements, Aerobatics and Tailwheel instruction.
Mark was named the 2023 Van Nuys FSDO CFI of the year and served multiple roles to support the 2023 World Aerobatic Championships. Additionally, he flies as a KingAir 200 as a contract pilot and flies competition aerobatics in his Pitts S2B.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Ken Wittekiend of Burnet, Texas has received his Tenth accreditation as a Master Instructor, which celebrates his more than twenty years of excellence and professionalism as an Aviation Educator. Ken is founder of ProMark Aviation Services, a full-service flight training company based in Burnet. He specializes in floatplane and Beech Bonanza training, and has over 12,800 hours of flight experience in a wide variety of general aviation aircraft, including over 8500 hours of flight instruction given. Ken is a FAASTeam Representative, active in conducting seminars and counseling activities for pilots. In 2009 and again in 2015, Ken was selected as the Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year for the FAA Southwest Region. In 2020, Ken was awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Award for 50 years of aviation experience. Ken is a charter member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators and formerly served on the SAFE Board of Directors. Ken teaches with both of the national Beechcraft Bonanza training organizations and is a former DPE for the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office with more than 2500 practical tests given. Ken is also an avid backcountry pilot and a columnist for Plane & Pilot.
Master Instructors is pleased to honor Nicholas Marcantonio of Milton, Florida as a Master Flight Instructor for the Third time. Nick began flying GA in 2008 and is a 2012 graduate of Auburn University. He served 9 years active duty as an Aerospace Engineer in the US Navy in California, Japan, and Florida. He currently serves in the reserves as a Lieutenant Commander with the Office of Naval Research, a Captain at Endeavor Air, an instructor for Flight Sim Coach, and as a volunteer Check Pilot/ CFI for the Civil Air Patrol. He also serves in the Communications Committee and is a Pilot Mentor. He was awarded the Endeavor’s Elite award in 2023 for Teamwork Excellence. Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and kids and sharing the love of God with his church in Pensacola, Florida.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Michael Lents of Fargo, North Dakota has received his Sixth Accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatic. Mike is an Associate Professor and Flight Instructor at the University of North Dakota (UND) specializing in Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Human Factors and Aerobatics. He learned to fly at UND in 2001 eventually earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He coaches the 11-time National Collegiate Champion, UND Aerobatic Team and was the 2021 US National Champion in the Intermediate category flying an American Champion Super Decathlon. In 2018, he represented Team USA flying a Panzl S-330 at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Strejnic, Romania. Mike placed 5th in the World, leading the Team in points to a second place finish. He flew for Team USA again in 2023 at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships, and is on the 2025 US Advanced Aerobatic Team. Known for his involvement with the UND Aerocast and specializing in the Super Decathlon, he continues to teach students the art of all-attitude flight.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that William E. Dubois, Newtown, PA has received his third accreditation as a Master Ground Instructor.
William is the Ground School Program Manager for Infinity Flight Group, where he creates and delivers curricula from Private Pilot through CFI, and oversees all ground-teaching by other staff. He is a rare “double” Master Ground Instructor, accredited by both MICEP and NAFI, and was recognized as a Distinguished Flight Instructor in the 2021-22 AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. A widely published aviation training SME, he pens two monthly columns for General Aviation News: Questions from the Cockpit, which answers reader’s aviation questions; and Human Factors, that looks to improve safety by analyzing incidents and accidents for lessons learned that can benefit all pilots. He additionally crafts many of the Air Safety Institute’s Training and Safety tips. Dubois started flying at age 17, has a degree in aviation technology, holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Instrument rating, in addition to all three FAA ground instructor certificates, and is the holder of a world speed record from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. He has been a member of AOPA for more than forty years. Involved in education most of his life, Dubois believes that humor and analogy are key teaching techniques, along with a relaxed and inclusive style that makes learning fun.
The GameBird ribbon cutting event on Sept. 12, 2024, at Wings Over the Rockies in Englewood, Colorado. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Master Instructors is pleased to welcome Joseph Pierre Thibodeau of Commerce City, Colorado, to our community as a Master Instructor-Aerobatic for the first time. JP is a corporate Chief Pilot with over 15,000 hours of flight time. Under the watchful eye of his father, he began “aviating” before he was tall enough to see over the instrument panel of their Beechcraft Baron. He soloed at age 16, earned a B.S. in Aerospace Sciences from the University of North Dakota and has continued flying and learning ever since while fulfilling a life-long dream of flying globally as the Chief Pilot of one of Denver’s most elite corporate flight departments. He is an experienced and dedicated flight instructor who has built a reputation for an unwavering commitment to safety, skill development, and fostering a positive learning environment. He is also active in the local aviation community through events, seminars and other activities. For recreation, JP flies among his two favorites his father’s P-51D Mustang, “Crusader” (in which he distinguished himself in 2018 at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, as the “Rookie of the Year” in the Unlimited Class) and the Game Composites GameBird GB-1.
