Master Instructor Program To Be Administered By NAFI Staff

There have been some big changes at the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). Among the developments from Tuesday's meeting to elect a new board of directors was the news two established members of the board, JoAnn Hill and Sandy Hill, were not re-elected to new terms.

As ANN reported, the showdown between the NAFI board of directors and the CFI community was precipitated last October by what many perceived as an attempt to oust the Hills from the NAFI hierarchy, and potentially affect the future of the Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) program -- which some NAFI Board members reportedly felt to be "elitist."

At least outwardly, the new regime at NAFI appears to be taking steps to address those concerns. Proposed changes will allow NAFI members a voice in the election of members of the board, and the association says it is also working to create more opportunities for member involvement in the leadership of NAFI throughout the year.

As far as the MCFI  program, it will now be fully administered by the staff of NAFI, headed by Executive Director Jason Blair. In the past, this program was administered by contract employees, who also happened to serve as members of the NAFI Board of Directors.

"The MCFI program has been a source of leading instructors for years," Blair said. "We will do everything necessary to keep this program running smoothly and at the rigorous standards that exist today." During the transition, an interim peer review board will review MCFI application packages.

As far as the Board of Directors, for the short term the seats vacated by the Hills will remain empty, to be filled at a future date. The board and program management responsibilities of these positions will be shared among remaining board members and NAFI executive staff until they are filled.

"NAFI is charting a great course forward and will rely on the careful planning of the board and input of its members to guide it," said Blair.

The logistical process for allowing membership voting and input is currently in development but in the interim, members are invited to nominate individuals for consideration for service on the board. "While the exact process is yet to be finalized, I welcome nominations with corresponding resumes or biographical histories of the nominees be sent to the NAFI office to be included in the review and selection process as it is finalized," Blair said.

Officials with NAFI say the organization "strives to make pragmatic, fact-driven decisions with members in mind at every turn. With the dramatic growth NAFI has seen in the last decade, some growing pains are a fact of life. The board of NAFI is doing everything within its power to provide added value and program stability for membership."

"NAFI is charting a great course forward and will rely on the careful planning of its board and input of its members to guide it," Blair said.

He also thanked the Hills for their "significant contributions to the organization."

FMI: www.nafinet.org