Master Instructors is honored to bestow the Master Instructor Emeritus designation on Edward John Murphy of Palm Beach Gardens, FLorida After 45 years of flying and more than fifteen years as a Master Instructor focusing on helicopter pilot training, courseware development and Level D Simulator development. Now reaching 65, he is now enjoying retirement. He is hoping to utilize his Master Instructor Emeritus status to work with local flight schools, aviation organizations and the local FAASTeam supporting their seminars and education events.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Michael Lents of Fargo, North Dakota, has received his Fifth accreditation as a Master Instructor-Aerobatics. Mike is an Assistant 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 and eventually earned both bachelor and master degrees there. He coaches the 10-time National Collegiate Champion UND Aerobatic Team. He was the 2021 US National Champion in the Intermediate category flying an American Champion Super Decathlon. In 2018, Mike 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 will be flying for Team USA again in 2023 at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships to be held in Las Vegas, NV. Known for his involvement with the UND Aerocast and specializing in flying the Super Decathlon, he continues to teach students the art of all-attitude flight.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Joel Weaner of Jacksonville, Florida, has received his Eleventh Designation as a Master Instructor. This milestone recognizes Joel’s commitment to excellence and professionalism as an aviation educator for over twenty-two years. Joel serves as a lead FAASTeam Representative in the FAA’s Orlando / North Florida FSDO. He also owns and operates Beach Banners based at Jacksonville’s Craig Municipal Airport, providing aerial advertising services, aircraft rental while offering flight training in technically advanced aircraft and tailwheels.
Master Instructors is pleased to announce that Ken Wittekiend of Burnet, Texas, has received his Ninth accreditation as a Master Instructor which recognizes his commitment to professionalism and aviation excellence. Ken is a professional aviation educator, writer and founder of ProMark Aviation Services, a full-service flight training company based in Burnet, Texas. He specializes in tailwheel, floatplane, and Beech Bonanza training. He is a former Designated Pilot Examiner for the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office and has administered over 2500 practical tests. Ken also serves as a FAASTeam Representative helping pilots by conducting seminars and counseling activities to reduce accidents and improve pilot safety practices. In 2009 and again in 2015, Ken was selected as the Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year for the FAA Southwest Region. He is a charter member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators and formerly served on the SAFE Board of Directors. Ken teaches for both of the national Beechcraft Bonanza training organizations and has presented seminars at a variety of aviation events including AirVenture and Sun N’ Fun.
An avid backcountry pilot, Ken flew his Cessna 182 amphibious floatplane from Texas to Alaska in 2020. There, he spent the summer exploring the remote regions of the Tongass National Forest. Ken currently writes a monthly column for Plane & Pilot magazine called “Wandering Skies.” He is also working with Community Aviation to produce an online training course to help pilots better prepare for FAA Practical Tests.