The MICEP Designations
A family of accreditations for qualified aviation educators, based on advanced professional standards and peer review.
Two purposes
- To recognize aviation educators who show an ongoing commitment to excellence and service.
- To set professional standards that all aviation educators can aim for.
Renew every 2 years
Each designation is renewed on a two-year cycle.
Hold more than one
Apply separately for each. Hours claimed must be unique to each designation; hours used for an MCFI cannot also count toward an MGI.
Every applicant needs
- Internet and email access
- Documentation in common electronic formats (.doc, .pdf, .jpg)
- Agreement to follow an aviation educator’s code of conduct, such as the Model Codes of Conduct or the SAFE Code of Ethics
- Good moral character
- Demonstrated involvement and leadership in the aviation community
- The ability to read, understand and complete forms in English
MAE
Master Aviation Educator
Who qualifies: aviation educators in academia, industry, government and the private sector. FAA instructor certification is not required.
- At least 48 calendar months holding a teaching credential from a state agency, the federal government, the military, an industry company or an aviation organization
- Teaching experience during the previous 48 calendar months
- Category, Activity and Hour requirements
MCFI
Master Certificated Flight Instructor
Who qualifies: those who mainly provide flight and ground instruction under FAA CFI certificates, including CFIs, CFIIs, DPEs, and glider, helicopter and aerobatic instructors.
- 48 calendar months holding a valid FAA/ICAO Flight Instructor Certificate, or 24 calendar months holding a Gold Seal plus a valid FAA Flight Instructor Certificate
- Category, Activity and Hour requirements
MCFI-A
Master CFI-Aerobatic
Who qualifies: CFIs providing flight and ground instruction who meet the aerobatic threshold.
- At least half of the minimum Hours relate to spins, upset recovery and/or aerobatics
- Same certificate options as the MCFI (48 months, or 24 months with a Gold Seal)
- Category, Activity and Hour requirements
The FAA does not certify aerobatic instructors as such. This accreditation helps consumers find trustworthy aerobatic training.
MCFI-H
Master CFI-Helicopter
Who qualifies: CFIs providing flight and ground instruction who meet the helicopter threshold.
- At least half of the minimum Hours relate to helicopter education
- 48 calendar months holding a qualifying certificate (FAA/ICAO Flight Instructor, CFI-rotorcraft helicopter, CFI-instrument helicopter or CFI-rotorcraft gyroplane), or 24 months with a Gold Seal plus one of those
- Category, Activity and Hour requirements
Rotary-wing safety, including EMS operations, is a special emphasis. Developed with input from the FAA, the International Helicopter Safety Team and Helicopter Association International.
MGI
Master Ground Instructor
Who qualifies: those who mainly provide ground instruction under FAA Ground Instructor certificates (Basic, Advanced and Instrument).
- At least 48 calendar months holding a valid FAA/ICAO Ground Instructor Certificate
- Category, Activity and Hour requirements
MIE · HONORARY
Master Instructor Emeritus
A one-time, honorary designation for long-serving Masters who are retiring or scaling back. It does not expire.
- At least ten years and five designation cycles in any combination of MICEP accreditations
- Age 55 or older
- Retiring from aviation education, or reducing activity below what renewal requires
- Expected to stay involved, for example mentoring Masters or serving on a committee or the Board of Review
In unusual circumstances, the Board of Review may grant Emeritus status to any Master at its discretion.
What a designation brings
Plaques, pins, the Master logo, insurance discounts and more.