One of the FAA's Top Feds Seems Right on Target

As noted in previous editorial coverage, we've had a few folks ask us why we've given so much attention and 'ink' or air-time to the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE)... while the results of the recently concluded Pilot Training Reform Symposium should now be all the justification we'll ever need for our decision to make sure that the efforts of this organization were covered aggressively.

One of those in attendance (as well as someone who now needs no justification for his participation in the Pilot Training Reform Symposium) is the FAA's AFS-800 Boss, Mel Cintron.

As the Manager of the FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800), Cintron has 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, including serving as a Director of Maintenance for a Part 135 operator, a Chief Maintenance Inspector, and an on-call helicopter pilot for a CRS 145/135/141 helicopter organization.

He holds the following certificates: Private Pilot-Airplane, Commercial Pilot-Helicopter, and A&P Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. Cintron holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration, served as a U.S. Army combat/flight medic in the Gulf War, and was awarded the Bronze Star as an Aviation Maintenance Officer while on a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq. Cintron joined the FAA in 1995.

Mel was a most welcome participant in this year's effort and his enthusiasm for this mission and the goals of the PTRS are quite evident in this interview...

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.safepilots.org, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews