NAFI Master CFI Designation

[lymanm]

Anyone here have a NAFI Master CFI Designation? I'm looking at the program and it doesn't appear too difficult, although the "aviation community involvement" credit component seems to be the hardest to fill. Is the whole thing worthwhile? Has it translated into more students/better pay and other tangiable benefits? Or is it more or less an ego booster?

At the very least, it looks good on a resumé, hence my interest...

 

[labbats]

Sounds like you got it pretty well figured out. It's resume fodder.

 

[CDVdriver]

Looked into it a couple of weeks ago.
Meet all the requirements but I'm not a member so I'd have to pay $175.
Seems a little steep for a title that does not seem to do you a lot of good.
You'll get a mention on their website but how many aspiring students know what a NAFI instructor is?
Not even sure if it would do that much good on a resume.
Any other opinions?

 

[JediNein]

Greetings,
I just received the designation. It's so new the press releases and emails have not gone out yet. So far, it and $1.60 will get me a cup of coffee and I have a nice plaque on the wall.

But when you talk with the higher-ups in the FAA, having the MCFI means you are taken seriously. More details on that after this current checkride.

Potential students also seem to perk up when they hear the term "Master Instructor." They mentally review their current ink-wet time-builder CFI and wonder what they are missing. They wonder if I can solve their landing problem, or their fears about stalls, or stop the GPS from being so hard to use.

We'll see how this program affects my marketing and sales.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Master Nein
(Master CFI does have a nice sound to it. . .)

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

If you qualify for the Gold Seal designation, do that. The FAA doesn't care if you're a Master CFI. The Gold Seal has done quite a bit more for me than the MCFI. While I agree it is important to maintain a high standard of professionalism, you don't need a made up title in an organization to do so. Get the Gold Seal.

Regards

 

[lymanm]

"Get the Gold Seal."

I'd love to, but I don't work in a Part 141 environment, but in a lazy Part 61 school. Lots of flying, but relatively little practical test endorsements and of course zero chance at stage check pilot. Finally I'm too young/inexperienced to even consider becoming a DPE.

Or do I have any misconceptions?

 

[TEXAN AVIATOR]

"Get the Gold Seal."

I'd love to, but I don't work in a Part 141 environment, but in a lazy Part 61 school. Lots of flying, but relatively little practical test endorsements and of course zero chance at stage check pilot. Finally I'm too young/inexperienced to even consider becoming a DPE.

Or do I have any misconceptions?

Yeah you do have some misconceptions. Get the AGI or IGI, and 8 out of 10 pass rate..
18. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES.
The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate are contained in FAA Orders 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook, and 8710.3C, Pilot Examiner's Handbook. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meetspecial criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor's certificate is renewed. Applicants for gold seal flight instructor certificates must meet the following requirements:

a. The flight instructor must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (glider flight instructors need not hold an instrument rating) or an ATP certificate;

b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument ground instructor rating; and

c. The flight instructor must have accomplished the following within the previous 24 months:

(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, at least 8 of whom passed their tests on the first attempt;

(2) Conducted at least 20 practical tests as a designated pilot examiner, or graduation tests as chief instructor of a 14 CFR part 141 approved pilot school course; or

(3) A combination of the above requirements. (Two practical tests conducted equal the credit given for one applicant trained and recommended for a practical test.)

 

[JediNein]

Yeah, the Gold Seal is a good program.

However, it is a once in a lifetime designation. And, I don't work for a busy 141 school either and 10 signoffs has not occurred yet. I've had 2 signoffs in 4 years. That's fine, my flight instruction typically does not involve the ratings ladder.

Master CFI DOES carry significance to the FAA. My local FSDO is quite happy to brag about their having the most MCFIs in their district as compared to any other FSDO. Brownie points are always good. Apparently, at the safety program manager's conference, Master CFI was part of the FAA discussion on the revamping of the safety and training programs.

At the AEA conference, the #1 GA guy in the FAA carried on at length about NAFI's program and how FITS and other industry training programs are leaning more on NAFI for their instruction recommendations, specifically the Master CFI recommendations.

At the dinner table during this conference, I had the great fortunate to meet another MCFI who is involved in my same specialty, avionics... Instant connection, instant respect by the other pilots and shop owners around the table.

Just the fact that I was a MCFI candidate earned me an invitation to a flight instructor conference held at UND. We'll see how that develops as the conference comes closer (yah, I'm wondering what conference, too).


But why an MCFI?

-What is there to set me apart from the airline-pilot wannabe, worst of the time building stereotype, in the student's eyes? What sets me apart from the ink-wet instructor? What transcends my age to relay my experience and dedication to flight instruction?

-People understand titles. Unions have thousands of apprentices, a few hundred journeymen, and a few dozen masters, or a similar ratio. If they watch Star Wars, served in the military, or read up on history, how does a craftsman progress in experience? They start as a lowly apprentice and finish (the lucky ones) as a Master.

-Some MCFIs have had calls from frustrated students. They wanted a Master instead of a time-builder to solve their flight training problem. Other MCFIs have had calls from people that know nothing about flight, but want to learn from the best.

-When you are under 40 and haven't been an airline pilot for the last hundred years, people go to your credentials to judge you before they meet you.

Another thought, if someone wants to train the fastest, dirtiest, cheapest way possible, they won't call me. They won't waste my time.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[FSIGRAD]

I've had 2 signoffs in 4 years.

Wow that really is slow. I signed off 2 this morning alone, for a total of 5 this week........

 

[350DRIVER]

NAFI MASTER INSTRUCTOR DESIGNATION PROGRAM
Download Printable PDF file

Master Certificated Flight Instructor (MCFI), Master Certificated Flight Instructor-Aerobatic (MCFI -A), Master Ground Instructor (MGI), and Master Flight Instructor (MFI)

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation that may be earned by aviation educators and is based on a system of advanced professional standards as well as peer review. The designation is granted by NAFI and serves a dual purpose. First, it identifies and publicly recognizes those "Teachers of Flight" who are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. Second, it sets professional standards to which all aviation educators can aspire.




The designation is earned by an applicant through a rigorous process of continuing education and, like a flight instructor certificate, must be renewed biennially. To promote continuous involvement in the aviation community, designees must remain active and renew their designations every 24 calendar months. Unlike one-time awards for past achievements (i.e., a "Gold Seal" flight instructor certificate or "Flight Instructor of the Year"), the Master Instructor designation acknowledges an individual's continuing professional growth and involvement in a broad spectrum of aviation endeavors.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Candidates for the Master Certificated Flight Instructor (MCFI), Master Certificated Flight Instructor-Aerobatic (MCFI-A), Master Ground Instructor (MGI), or Master Flight Instructor (MFI) designation must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements. A candidate must:

be a NAFI member in good standing;
maintain NAFI membership during the term of the designation;
subscribe to and abide by NAFI's Code of Ethics;
be of good moral character [i.e., FAR 61.153(c)];
have held, for a minimum of 24 calendar months, either a valid -
a. FAA/ICAO Flight Instructor Certificate, if applying for a MCFI / MCFI-A designation,
b. FAA/ICAO Ground Instructor Certificate, if applying for a MGI designation or,
c. Industry issued Flight Instructor Certificate, if applying for a MFI designation.

Activities, Documentation and CEUs

All Master Instructor portfolios are reviewed in their entirety by the NAFI Board of Review (BoR). In addition, all MCFI-A portfolios are reviewed by an International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Board of Review as well as NAFI's BoR. The IAC BoR will grant all aerobatic activity credit.

Each activity shown on the Master Instructor Activity pages is assigned an approximate number of continuing education units (CEUs). The number of CEUs awarded for a particular activity is generally a function of the time spent completing that activity. The activity's "quality" is also considered. Typically, colleges require approximately 15 hours of direct involvement for a single college credit. A similar time requirement is generally used to determine the number of CEUs granted for an activity. All student contact time (both flight & ground) applies and may be counted toward total activity time.

Activities, Documentation and CEUs (cont'd)

Master Instructor candidates must accumulate a minimum of 32 CEUs during the 24 calendar months prior to issuance of the Master Instructor designation. This 24 calendar month period may run concurrently with the instructor's regular recertification cycle, if applicable. The required minimum of 32 CEUs must meet the following criteria: A) at least sixteen CEUs must come from at least two different activities in the EDUCATOR category, B) at least two CEUs from at least two different activities must come from each of the SERVICE, MEDIA, and PARTICIPANT categories, and C) if applying for a MCFI-A designation, at least half of all CEUs must be aerobatic in nature. Candidates pursuing more than one designation are cautioned that each portfolio submitted must stand-alone with no duplication of activities.

Listed categories on the Master Instructor Activities pages show multiple examples of typical activities that could qualify for CEU credit and are not intended to be all-inclusive. If the applicant's activity does not identically match any of the activities listed, the Board can review it for accreditation. Simply describe the activity on the required Activity Completion Form (ACF) and attach appropriate supporting documentation. The activity must fall within one of the four categories and will either be awarded an appropriate number of CEUs (similar to the activity that most closely parallels the submission) or denied credit. Each activity that is submitted for credit, whether a listed activity or a similar topic, must be accompanied by an ACF along with appropriate supporting documentation.

The Evaluation Process
Each portfolio is first checked for completeness and to assure that the candidate meets all eligibility requirements. Then a detailed evaluation of each submitted activity is undertaken with particular attention directed to the activity's documentation as well as the time spent completing the activity. Typical turnaround time for complete and properly documented portfolios is three to four weeks.

The two problems most frequently encountered are: A) missing or incomplete Activity Completion Forms and B) missing or inadequate activity documentation. If the applicant initially does not fulfill all designation requirements or if activity documentation is not adequate, he/she is contacted and afforded an opportunity to provide additional information. These contacts are accomplished primarily by e-mail so candidates should have Internet access. Candidates should also be aware that Internet access is essential for timely Master Instructor two-way communication as well as networking. If the applicant still does not meet all requirements after being contacted, the application is denied and the applicant is provided with an explanation.

Checking an applicant's professional references is the final step in the review process. Routinely, local FAA representatives, aviation related employers or supervisors, and/or Master Instructors in the same geographic area are contacted.

The FAA has approved the Master Instructor designation as an alternate means to renew a flight instructor certificate under FAR 61.197 (a) (2) (iii). Therefore, applicants are cautioned to submit complete and substantiated Master Instructor portfolios. These portfolios, as well as all paperwork generated by NAFI and IAC during the review and approval process, must be able to withstand a thorough audit - a "ramp check" - by FAA and industry representatives. Applicants wishing to renew flight instructor certificates using the designation should submit portfolios at least 60 days in advance of their CFI expiration date. Please call the Master Instructor Board of Review (303-485-8136) with any questions and please ship completed and properly documented portfolios to:

National Association of Flight Instructors
Kermit Weeks Hangar
1145 W 20th Ave
Oshkosh WI, 54902

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

Jedi,

I've had many opportunities to read your input on a variety of aviation subjects and I can say that more often than not you write with a level head. While I certainly understand your position on the MCFI, the title itself does not mean you're more professional than the next person. I'm sure you realize this. Yes, there are specific requirements and continuing education criteria, but there is most definately more to being a professional than jumping through hoops for an organization in order for them to attach a prefix to my CFI certificate. Everyone has their own opinion about this subject. Mine is not a favorable one. People come to me because of my integrity, character, and genuine dedication to aviation...not because of a "Master" designation. They will, (and do), come to you for the same reason...with or without the MCFI. In any event, good luck and congrats.

Regards

 

[JediNein]

My hope is two-fold:
First, the potential client will realize that I exist, the marketing side.
Second, after they realize I exist, I hope that the title will give them pause before they lump me into the same category as the majority of flight instructors my age.

After that, it's up to me to give the clients the value and service they desire.

My announcement went out today. Again, it is a wait and see before I can really give any true value to the title asides from the immediately positive reception from the FAA.

On the same thought, it is really up to the Master CFIs to determine how much value goes with the title. As long as the Rod Machados, Rich Stowells, and Greg Browns of the world stay in and the worst of the time-building-hate-instructing-airline-pilot-wannabes stay out, the title remains one way to seperate the wheat from the chaff.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

P.S. I've developed a fill-in form from the MCFI application. I'll email it to anyone that requests it via PM. NAFI is working on getting this form on their website.

 

[dmspilot00]

Hi Jedi..

I've been reading your posts since you were on SPN ages ago. I was just curious if you could tell us about the types of activities you used to fulfill the requirements, and overall how difficult it was.

 

[JediNein]

For the instruction side, I documented:
Over 200 hours of instruction given on GPS and Advanced Avionics.
Over 150 hours as an aircraft consultant for pre-purchase, avionics IFR certification test flights, and avionics upgrades.
Lots of time as a Cessna Pilots Association 210 Flight Proficiency Instructor

For Service:
2 years as an Aviation Safety Counselor and Remedial Training Program Instructor
2 years as a Civil Air Patrol Member (Check, Instructor, Cadet Orientation, and Mission Pilot; Scanner; Observer; and all around Go-fer)

For Media:
Three powerpoint presentations from my WINGS seminars
I only included one of my books on GPS, the rest would be overkill.

For Participation:
I earned the MEL add-on to my commercial and the CFII.

Other thoughts:
The goal is to document the minimum amount of credits, not everything you've ever done as an instructor in the last two years. Thanks to Toy Soldier for that tip.

The hardest part of the whole application was getting the various entities to send an email documenting what I have done. It is easier for everyone involved if you complete the activity documentation form and have the other person sign it. That way no one has to write anything, except you.

The funniest part occurred after a WINGS seminar where the regular attendees asked my boss if he had earned his Master CFI. They teased him ferociously over his apprentice (me) surpassing him. That imbalance should be corrected shortly.

For the numbers, there are approximately 81,000 CFIs in the US. Of those, estimates have 30,000 of those as active, working, instructors. There are 375 Master Instructors in the world and only 35 in my state. Because this is Van Nuys, I am one of 6 in my FSDO. From what I can tell, I am one of 5 MCFIs in the world that specialize in GPS & Avionics instruction. There is some 'product differentiation' for the marketing. . . which means I now have to rewrite the 'about me' section of my books and website, and the business cards...

So much for 'just' a flight instructor...

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein