It is an extraordinary honor for Master Instructors to bestow the title of Master Instructor Emeritus on Hobie Tomlinson of Huntington, Vermont. This eleventh designation as a Master Instructor follows a number of career awards including Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2010, EAA “Spirit of Flight Award” from Society of Experimental Test Pilots in 2012, FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year in 2012.
Hobie first soloed in 1960, became a CFI in 1965, was a DPE from 1977 – 2022, and was an active CFI for 58 Years. He holds ASEL, ASES, AMEL, & AMES Class Ratings at ATP Level, plus 9 Turbojet Type Ratings. He also holds Advanced & Instrument GI, Airframe & Powerplant, Flight Engineer and Aircraft Dispatcher Certificates. Along with a full airline career, Hobie has served in leadership and evaluator roles at flight schools and charter companies. As an instructor, he specializes in advanced training for aircraft owners, including Tailwheel, Instrument and Multiengine for Private to CFI levels. He holds BPPP & CSIP qualifications, has been a Master CFI for over 20 years, AOPA member for 60 years & EAA member for 58 years. He has 41,400 Flight Hours. 16,400 Flight Instruction Hours, with 1028 North Atlantic Crossings. Currently 79 years old, his favorite airplanes were the Twin Beech 18 & B757.
Hobie is an icon in the instructor community who has made all who know him far better educators and pilots. His knowledge and quiet genius is a gift to us all.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Elaine Kauh of Janesville, WI has received her Seventh accreditation as a Master Instructor. Elaine is a CFII providing ground and flight training in specialties including high-performance aircraft and tailwheel flying techniques. She also trains and mentors upcoming flight instructors. As an FAA Safety Team Lead Representative, she collaborates with other Wisconsin aviation educators to create and present safety seminars for pilots of all backgrounds. She is an aviation author, multi-media producer and a contributing editor for IFR Magazine.