Master Instructors is honored to welcome a new member to the Master Instructor Community. Matthew Michael Speare of Summerfield, North Carolina has received his First accreditation as a Master Instructor. Matt has been a CFI/CFII in both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft for over 20 years. Matt’s teaching philosophy centers on individualized instruction, ensuring that each student masters both the technical and decision-making skills necessary for safe and competent flying.
His current flying includes specializing in advanced experimental aircraft, conducting both training and test flights in Lancair amateur-built aircraft. His dedication to education is evident in his involvement in developing FAA-certified training programs for the Lancair community.
Master Instructors is honored to announce that Lara Zook Gaerte of Fort Wayne, Indiana has received her Ninth accreditation as a Master Certified Flight Instructor, recognizing more than eighteen years of excellence as a professional aviation educator. Lara is an active independent CFI, corporate pilot and DPE with the Grand Rapids FSDO. She provides training for aircraft owners, customizing instruction for their equipment and avionics. As a corporate pilot, She flies a Challenger 601 and a Cessna Citation Bravo. Lara actively volunteers with the all-women Air Race Classic and is building a runway and hangar with her husband (an A&P/IA). Their newest project is restoring a 1959 Cessna 150, with which Lara will work towards her A&P certificate.
Master Instructors is pleased to welcome Kenneth Solosky of Mineola, New York to its community of top Aviation Educators. Ken has received his first Accreditation as a Master Ground Instructor, the latest in a long career of accomplishments. He learned to fly in 1988 and earned his private, instrument, commercial airplane, and ATP ratings at Farmingdale’s Republic Airport. He went on to serve in the NYPD Aviation Unit as a Lieutenant & Chief Pilot, his tenure including the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Ken’s ratings also include ATP-Airplane/Helicopter, CFI-Helicopter, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor and sUAS Part 107 (drone) Pilot. He is a FAASTeam Representative for the Farmingdale FSDO and teaches at the Airborne Public Safety Association’s Annual Conference. He has served as an Aviation Educator worldwide and is a regular contributor to the Airborne Public Safety Association Association’s magazine Airbeat.
Ken is currently the lead ground instructor for Nassau Flyers and is Associate Professor of Aviation at the State University of New York (SUNY) -Farmingdale, teaching undergraduate aviation courses. He is also employed by Northwell Health and among his many varied duties, serves as Chief Pilot for the sUAS program.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from St. John’s University in Public Administration and a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He lives in Mineola with his wife, Susan and their two sons, Kenneth, and Patrick.