Two flight instructors, Samantha Bowyer and James “Steve” Rutland, were recognized by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) for their contributions to aviation education. The awards were presented during the annual NAFI breakfast at Oshkosh.

Jack J. Eggspuehler Award

Bowyer, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, was named as the winner of the Jack J. Eggspuehler Award for her role in organizing and executing the first NAFI Summit in Lakeland, Florida, in October 2023.

• READ MORE: NAFI Unveils Newest Flight Instructor Hall of Fame Inductees

Bowyer holds degrees in business and project management and was instrumental in organizing the inaugural event.

Eggspuehler was the founder of NAFI and led the organization for some 30 years. The award that carries his name is the association’s highest honor. Bestowed by the board of directors, it recognizes the member, organization, or industry leader that has gone above and beyond in service to NAFI for the benefits of its members.

Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award

Rutland, a lifelong fixed- and rotor-wing instructor and author, received the 2024 Laslo award for his contributions to NAFI publications, including its Mentor magazine.

Rutland’s career spans military and civilian aviation. He holds instructor certificates for both fixed-wing and rotor-wing flying and has logged approximately 18,000 hours dual given. His writing contributions to NAFI’s Mentor are seen on a monthly basis.

• READ MORE: King Schools, NAFI Team Up to Offer CFI Training Scholarship

“Steve is one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met,” said Beth Stanton, NAFI’s director of publications and editor in chief of Mentor. “Steve shares his vast experience and knowledge in multiple ways—in the cockpit, classroom, flight simulator, and in writing.”

About NAFI

The National Association of Flight Instructors was created more than 50 years ago to raise and maintain the professional standards of aviation educators. The organization has more than 8,000 members made up of aviation training professionals who abide by a code of ethics.

The organization reaches the aviation community through its monthly magazine, weekly newsletters, podcasts, and MentorLIVE streamed events.

For more information: nafinet.org.

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The long-awaited update to the Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25) has been released. The 111-page document has been in development since before the pandemic, the process was slowed when COVID-19 shut down the world. It replaces the FAA-S-8081-6D, Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Airplane, dated June 2012.

The ACS contains the minimum standards that a pilot must meet for certification. 

According to David St. George, executive director of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), the update to the CFI ACS began in 2016 when the private pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6) was released, and the FAA working group learned that the slow flight task had been rewritten to eliminate “minimum controllable airspeed.” That meant the stall warning horn couldn’t be activated during the demonstration of slow flight or else the applicant could potentially receive a notice of disapproval. 

This was exceptionally challenging as the aircraft, at the discretion of the examiner, could be configured with flaps down. So much as a slight increase in the angle of attack, reduction of power, or increase in load factor in a turn could result in the activation of the stall warning device, resulting in a notice of disapproval from the examiner.

That has changed, said St. George, who is also a designated pilot examiner (DPE). As in the CFI ACS, the task now requires flight with the stall warning on at the discretion of the examiner, and “a full explanation and description of ‘flight characteristics in the region of reversed command and possible loss of control’ is also required.”

This is important, according to St. George, as loss-of-control incidents, which usually are the result of a surprise stall from which the pilot does not recover, are still the primary cause of fatal accidents. There is hope that this change to the CFI ACS will eventually migrate to the Private Pilot ACS. In addition secondary stalls are also now part of the ACS.

“Many examiners I have spoken with have noticed a decrease in flight training focus and also applicant skill and awareness in this area,” St. George said. “[It’s] a dark scary corner of the flight envelope, but critical to safety.”

Said Karen Kalishek, a DPE and the chair of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFF): “Reintroducing minimum controllable airspeed to the testing standards is another welcome update that will enhance prospective CFIs’  training and abilities. The ACS provides a structure consistent with other testing standards. Importantly, the updated testing standards add emphasis to risk awareness and mitigation, key points to improving aviation safety. The ACS’ added focus on fundamentals of instructing is also a positive change which will encourage increased preparation by potential new instructors.”

CFI ACS Adds Electronics

One notable addition: The CFI ACS now allows the use of electronic flight alerts (ADS-B) and electronic flight bags, and preparation, presentation, and explanation of  computer-generated flight plans are an acceptable option. This is good news to CFI applicants who throughout their training never fully learned how to fill out and use a paper navlog and, therefore, are unable to teach it.

The number of appendices in the ACS has also been reduced. This nonregulatory material was relocated to the Airman Certification Standards Companion Guide for Pilots (FAA-G-ACS-2), which is considered a companion guide to the ACS.

Applicants, instructors, and evaluators should consult this companion guide to familiarize with ACS procedures. The CFI ACS goes into effect May 31.

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The award includes $5,000 to apply toward an initial CFI rating, or it can be used for any CFI add-on rating. The scholarship includes lifelong access to the entire library of King Schools online courses and Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCs). The scholarship is worth more than $19,000.

• READ MORE: King Schools, NAFI Announce Scholarship Winner, New Program Focus

To be eligible, applicants must be a NAFI member with a current FAA commercial certificate and instrument rating or a CFI certificate.

How to Apply

Instructions for how to apply for the 2024 scholarship are available on the King Schools website. The deadline for applications is January 4.

NAFI, a professional organization geared toward the betterment of flight instructors,  has been around for more than 50 years. It provides resources to all flight instructors and encourages members to aspire to a higher standard of professionalism to elevate flight training. For more information, visit NAFInet.org.

King Schools has been offering training opportunities for decades. John and Martha King, founders and co-chairpersons of the company, are recognized as top instructors, as a primary mission of King Schools is to support flight instructors by preparing clients for FAA knowledge tests and providing training insights through its Flight Instructor Refresher Course. Since 1994 the Kings have been the first and only couple to both hold every category and class of FAA rating on their pilot and instructor certificates.

They are still active pilots, regularly flying anything they can get their hands on, from jets and piston airplanes to helicopters.

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I know I learned a few things.

There were about 200 attendees overall, with at least 150 sitting in on both days—a pretty good show for the first of anything. And considering that NAFI has about 7,000 paid members to draw from, it made for a great representative sample of the group.

DPE Panel

The sessions kicked off with a panel of highly experienced designated pilot examiners, including NAFI chair Karen Kalishek, Mary Schu, and Doug Stewart. While the broad topic—to discuss the state of check ride preparation and success—involved every instructor in the room, the conversation quickly zeroed in on the concerns that the panelists saw every day when working with applicants for pilot certification.

According to Schu, who is based in Oregon. there’s a lack of real cross-country solo time, especially for students coming from Part 141 programs. Instead of logging time as the sole occupant of the airplane—and having to make every decision, without the safety net of an instructor beside you—more and more pilots are showing up with “pilot doing duties as pilot in command.” To my ears, this sounds a lot like the classification of time under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regs as “supervised solo,” with the instructor still in the right seat but somehow remaining silent.

Really? That’s not how you learn to take responsibility as pilot in command.

The examination pass rate has dropped dramatically over the past five years—roughly and informally to 50 to 60 percent, according to Kalishek, a DPE based in Wisconsin. She is scheduling check rides for March 2024.

Stewart, based in New Hampshire, gave another handy insight—he requires candidates to submit their application via IACRA at least five days prior to the check ride. If things aren’t in order, he can schedule another applicant in their place.

Flight School as a Business

Another fascinating panel that reminded me of my days as the Cessna Pilot Center manager: Your Own Flight Instruction Business. Moderated by flight school owner George Allen, it included Aaron Dabney, Frank Gallagher, and Ned Parks. With roughly 2,000 training organizations in the U.S., there’s a lot of competition. However, by identifying a niche, you can make a successful go at it.

There are also other points to consider.

According to Gallagher, one of the key drivers of success is maintaining a high quality of employees and equipment. One detail that goes a long way? Train your instructors to wipe down the aircraft after the flight and service it like an owner, so that it looks like a clean car picked up from a rental agency.

Dabney, who specializes in CFI to tailwheel instruction, said, “Be able to say concisely what your mission is: How are you different?”

Parks cautioned that, when recruiting and retaining instructors, be wary of using 1099 contractors versus employees on a W-2. As he noted, some schools use 1099s “because it’s cheaper”—but the actual savings is so low, it’s not worth the hazard of running afoul of the contractor-versus-employee regulations in many states. “It is such a small amount of money [in the end],” he said.

The Magenta Guy and GA Type Ratings

One of the highlights for me came in getting to see FLYING contributor Les Abend take the stage with Gary Reeves in walking instructors through the GA Type Rating course they have developed.

Reeves built upon his presentation the day before (The Top 5 Mistakes Good Instructors Make Teaching GPS—I definitely learned a couple that I’ve been making) by walking through how the pair met and what unique steps they take to appeal to an airline pilot transitioning to GA—or flying light aircraft for the first time if they came from the military.

Is there a sneaky way in there to encourage those retired captains to become instructors? You bet. It’s a great idea.

Networking at a High Level

Overall, I came away impressed by the cadre of folks who attended the summit—not just because they were presenting, like Greg Feith, of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast and former senior NTSB accident investigator—but because they wanted to support the organization’s initial effort to raise the level of flight instruction in the U.S.

I was able to catch up and have long talks with executive-level colleagues from Sporty’s, Redbird Flight Simulations, and the FAA. John and Martha King, founders of King Schools, gave the dinner’s keynote with tips from their two books. I had an insurance question answered by a senior leader at Avemco. I made new connections with fellow instructors from the Flying Musicians Association and rekindled lasting friendships with folks from Ortega Aviation Services.

All in all, did I come away a better instructor? We’ll see soon, when I go up for my own flight review—thanks for the tips, Tom Turner!

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Would you believe that many airline pilots harbor trepidations about operating in the GA environment and have a great deal of respect for good flight instructors? Many of the worries or concerns stem from the fact that airline pilots have been away from the small airplane world long enough to have forgotten the basics or have been absent for years of changes.

Airspace rules have changed. Filing a flight plan has changed. Airplanes have changed. Retired airline pilots are now faced with how to maintain their IFR and VFR proficiency, selecting electronic chart subscriptions, choosing the appropriate medical certificate class, calculating weight and balance, and operating out of nontowered airports, etc. Guidance in selecting and purchasing the appropriate airplane for the desired mission is another topic worthy of mention.

• READ MORE: Webinar Aims to Help CFIs Help Airline Pilots Return to GA

With quality instruction, airline pilots can excel at the flying part, but they need guidance in other areas. And they need guidance in areas specific to their unique fears. Reviewing a  Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is probably not beneficial. A rusty pilot’s course might be of assistance but may not address the topics that are most concerning.

With a record number of airline pilots retiring over the next few years, many with disposable income that has increased because of favorable salaries, some of these men and women will be considering reengaging with their roots. Empty nester pilots nearing retirement that have eliminated their financial obligations of a mortgage and their kids’ secondary education may also be entering the GA market. All of these folks need flight instructors who have insight to the airline pilot psyche.

Knowing that airline pilots are familiar with the nuances of professional training, the program is tongue-in-cheek dubbed the “GA type rating course.” Gary “GPS” Reeves, a 20-year veteran of specialized flight instruction, and the FAA 2019 Instructor of the Year has teamed up with Les Abend, a retired airline pilot and longtime contributing editor to FLYING.

The Airline Pilot GA type rating course is in the development stage and will involve a reference manual utilizing an entertaining and informative format that should maintain the attention of even the most-seasoned, long-haul airline pilot. Flight and ground instructors will be offered a free Airline Pilot GA type rating online course through Reeves’ website, www.pilotsafety.org

With the primary goal of adding safer pilots to general aviation, we would appreciate your assistance and participation in refining the course. How? It’s simple. Use this hyperlink: https://pilotsafety.org/ga-type-rating. If you’re an airline pilot, click on the two-minute “Airline Pilot Survey” button. The survey is a valuable assessment for course development.

And finally, all pilots can click on the button that links to registration for the NAFI Summit (National Association of Flight Instructors) Tuesday  through Thursday. The airline pilot GA type rating course introduction will be presented on Thursday, October 26, at 10 a.m. EDT. Reeves is offering a $30 discount through his website.

We have a great opportunity to welcome our airline pilots back into the GA world or perhaps greet them for the first time. They will be an asset to safety and  the GA economy. Let’s prepare our flight instructors with the best tools to assist these valued professionals.

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The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and MyGoFlight-Flight Flix, known for camera, iPad, and tablet cases and mounts, are combining their efforts to increase safety by giving instructors innovative tools to secure these items which have proven to be useful teaching tools. Many learners benefit from the ability to rewatch a flight in addition to receiving real-time feedback.

NAFI promotes professionalism in the flight instructor community, helping CFIs increase their skills as they educate the next generation of pilots.

As members of NAFI prepare for its annual summit in Lakeland, Florida, on October 24 through 26, NAFI president Paul Preidecker expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for this partnership.

• READ MORE: NAFI’s Flight Instructor Summit On Track for October

“Safety is the No. 1 reason for selecting MyGoFlight-Flight Flix as our partner,” said Preidecker. “We believe this collaboration will help us better equip flight instructors and pilots with the tools they need to enhance safety and professionalism in aviation. We are excited to work together to further our mission of excellence in flight instruction.”

Said MyGoFlight-Flight Flix president Dominic Martinez: “We are honored to be partnering with NAFI, an organization that shares our unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in aviation. Together, we can provide the aviation community with innovative, top-quality solutions that enhance the overall safety and effectiveness of flight training.”

As a result of the partnership, NAFI members will be able to purchase selected MyGoFlight | Flight Flix products at a discount.

For more information, visit NAFI at www.nafinet.org and MyGoFlight-Flight Flix at www.MyGoFlight.com and www.flightflix.aero.

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The events kick off with an opening reception on October 24 in the evening and then fill two days with sessions produced by well-known CFIs, designated pilot examiners, and industry leaders. 

On October 25, the day starts with Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of safety for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and executive director of the Air Safety Institute. He’s going to dive into the scourge of accidents hallmarked by loss of control in flight (LOC-I). Former ASI director Bruce Landsberg will continue the discussion concerning instructional accidents, their causes, and means of mitigation. 

The American Bonanza Society’s Thomas Turner lightens the tone next with a master class on conducting a proper flight review or instrument proficiency check. Then Peter Dittmer will present on the parallels—and differences—between coaching and teaching, and where the CFI falls on that continuum.

And that’s just the first few sessions on day one. Bret Koebbe (Sporty’s Pilot Shop vice president and periodic FLYING columnist), Brian Schiff (airline captain and CFI), and Greg Feith (former National Transportation Safety Board senior air safety investigator) round out the lineups. A DPE panel features NAFI chair Karen Kalishek, flight school owner Mary Schu, and Doug Stewart, past executive director of the Society of Aerospace and Flight Educators.

• READ MORE: Examination Pass Rates To Be Focus of Upcoming NAFI Summit

Former check airman and 47-year CFI Les Abend joins Gary “GPS” Reeves, whom Abend profiled in his August Jumpseat column for FLYING’s print edition on October 26 for a special presentation, “5 Ways Good Instructors Can Give Airline Pilots Their ‘GA Type Rating,’” based on Reeves’ own experience working with airline pilots like Abend, who retired from American Airlines in 2019.

Registration is filling quickly—and September 23 is the hotel deadline for special room rates at three nearby accommodations in Lakeland. The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo campus will host the event on the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL), with aircraft parking available—bring your own tie-downs to ensure those are in place.

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As it was announced last year, the summit will be devoted to flight instructor excellence.

Taking place at the Florida Air Museum on the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, the summit will feature 28 presentations on a variety of topics, including: running your business, health and well-being, tips and techniques, using technology effectively, instructional accident analysis, and creating a path to success for clients. 

• READ MORE: Powley to Join Ranks of Flight Instructor Hall of Fame

Among the speakers are Richard McSpadden, of the Air Safety Institute, Bruce Landsberg, of the National Transportation Safety Board, Tom Turner, of the American Bonanza Society, and airline captain and instructor Brian Schiff. The keynote address will be delivered by Brad Palmer and Everette Rochon from the FAA. And for the dinner, John and Martha King will share their insights in business and instruction.

Registration is open and can be found at nafisummit2023.org. The association has contracted with three hotels for the event, with about 120 rooms available in the blocks. Camping is also available on site—particularly handy if you want to fly into the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL). The Sun ’n Fun staff will be on hand to assist with parking and tie-downs.

With updates posted regularly on the site, the summit is approaching quickly. For additional information, contact Paul Preidecker, NAFI president, at ppreidecker@nefinet.org.

• READ MORE: Flight Instructors Weigh In on FAA’s Proposed Changes to Certificates

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The hall of fame is sponsored by the National Association of Flight Instructors, but the organization does not participate in the judging. The induction ceremony will be during the NAFI membership breakfast at EAA AirVenture on July 27 at 8 a.m.

NAFI is dedicated to providing support and recognition for flight instructors, and providing them ways to increase their professionalism and creating paths for instructors to work together to promote aviation safety and education. The Flight Instructor Hall of Fame was established to honor flight instructors who have made significant contributions to aviation education and flight instruction. The accolade highlights the important role flight instructors play as part of the foundation for the safety of the entire national air transportation system.

“We are honored to induct Lieutenant. Colonel Powley into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame,” said NAFI chairperson Karen Kalishek. “His lifelong dedication to flight instruction and aviation safety has touched thousands of lives and serves as an inspiration to flight instructors everywhere.”

Powley, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, served more than 23 years as a flight instructor, fighter pilot, and test pilot. His service included two tours in Vietnam flying 347 missions in the F-4 Phantom and A-7 Corsair II.

Powley retired from the Air Force in 1991 but continued to train pilots by volunteering his skills.

According to NAFI, Powley founded FLIGHT Foundation (Flight Lesson Instructional Grants Helping Teens) and personally raised more than $1.9 million to help teens achieve the dream of flight. He has flown approximately 4,000 discovery flights, most of which were free.

Powley, a resident of Tennessee, also has been a leader and active member in many aviation organizations in addition to NAFI, including the Soaring Society of America and the Experimental Aircraft Association. 

In 2010, he received the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Science Teacher of the Year Award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame. That same year, the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame (TAHOF) created the Tennessee Aviation Person of the Year award for Powley, and in 2011 he received Tennessee’s highest aviation recognition—the Career Contributions to Aviation Award. 

In 2013, he was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.

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Among the most noteworthy changes is the removal of an expiration date and altering the experience requirements for instructors who can administer training to initial CFI applicants.

Currently, CFI certificates are good for 24 calendar months. The proposal would eliminate that expiration date on flight instructor certificates and instead establish recent experience requirements with a three-month grace period.

Under the new proposal, CFIs may demonstrate recent experience through current renewal requirements outlined in FAR 61.197, including passing a practical test; endorsing at least five students for a practical test with at least 80 percent passing on the first attempt; serving as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, company check pilot, or flight instructor in a Part 121 or Part 135 operation; completing an approved FIRC; or passing an official U.S. Armed Forces military instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check. A sixth method to renew CFI certificates will include teaching under the FAA-sponsored Wings program.

• READ MORE: FAA Proposes Changes to Flight Instructor Certificates

Many who have commented on the NPRM are in favor of removing the expiration date, calling the need to renew “burdensome,” and that when the options are to retire from instructing due to the lapsed certificate or take another checkride with the FAA, they opt with the former.

But not everyone supports the expiration date removal. 

“The proposal to remove the expiration dates on flight instructor certificates is a disappointment,” King Schools said in comments. “The loss of the remainder of the expiration on the certificate adds the risk that the expiration date might be missed. It is hard to imagine that this is a benefit. The possible benefit of paperwork reduction is missed due to the requirement that applicants must submit 8710 forms to support their experience at the time of renewal.”

Under FAR 61.197, each CFI needs to complete a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) every 24 calendar months in addition to the completion of a flight review every two years in order to maintain instructor privileges. Per FAR 61.56 for active CFIs, the ground portion of the flight review is waived, and the CFI need only complete the one hour of flight.

If the CFI allows their certificate to lapse, the only option for reinstatement is to pass a practical test. Several of the respondents to the NPRM remarked that removing the expiration date and allowing recency of experience to facilitate renewal would help address the CFI shortage and, in turn, the pilot shortage.

Instructor Groups Weigh In

Both the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) said they are reviewing the proposal.

Karen Kalishek, chairman of NAFI, said the group has been discussing the NPRM and expects to have an official response next week.

Meanwhile, SAFE executive director David St. George said the proposal is a mixed bag for the instructor community, noting the group supports the removal of the expiration date from the CFI certificate but has concerns over the proposal to reduce the requirements for CFIs to educate new CFIs.

At present, under FAR 61.195 (h), the qualifications of the flight instructor—for training first-time flight instructor applicants—state that for ground training the authorized instructor must hold a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating and have held that certificate for at least 24 calendar months and given at least 40 hours of ground training; or they have held a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating and given at least 100 hours of ground training in an FAA-approved course.

For flight training, the instructor who provides flight training to an initial instructor applicant must have held a flight instructor certificate for at least 24 months, and for training in preparation for an airplane, rotorcraft, or power-lift rating, they must have given at least 200 hours of flight training as a flight instructor.

Per the proposal, rather than requiring CFIs to have 24 months of experience, the fresh instructors could start teaching new CFIs after recommending at least five applicants for a certificate or rating with an 80 percent first-time pass rate. Alternatively, those with 200 hours dual given who graduate from an FAA-approved flight instructor enhanced qualification training program (FIEQTP) would be allowed to skip the two-year requirement. The FIEQTP has been around since the 1990s.

According to St. George, the problems stemming from low-time instructors who lack experience to teach the initial CFI certificate will likely manifest downstream as the low-time, low-experience instructors repeat the “check-the-box” type of instruction they were trained with. While this would expose the pilot applicant to the tasks and skills, it does not give them the opportunity to develop proficiency or a level of learning beyond rote memory.

“SAFE campaigns for increased instructor preparation and professionalism, not lowered preparation and professionalism! This is a very bad idea,” St. George said in the latest edition of the SAFE online newsletter.

As most pilots become CFIs to build their hours for non-instructional jobs, their focus is often on building their own hours rather than developing teaching skills. When they achieve the required 1,500 hours for the airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate—or if they qualify for the restricted ATP with as low as 750, 1,000, or 1,250 hours—they move on. For instructors at a busy flight school, achieving these hours can happen in a year or less. 

St. George adds the organization is cognizant of the number of low-time CFIs in the pilot pipeline who have not had the time to develop into solid teachers. “The pilots they train get the minimums to pass the FAA test, but they may not be capable (of getting) the job done,” he said.

The NPRM is open for public comment until June 22.

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