Lakeland Event Promises to Inform and Inspire

Founded in 1967 by Ohio State University professor of aviation Jack Eggspuehler, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the profession of flight instruction through education, mentorship, and advocacy.

In cooperation with working flight instructors, flight schools, and groups like EAA, and the Federal Aviation Administration, NAFI seeks to raise and maintain the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.

In February 2023, NAFI announced that it will convene its inaugural flight instruction safety and business summit on SUN ‘n FUN’s Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) campus from 24 through 26 October 2023. NAFI cordially invites all current and prospective Certified Flight Instructors, aviation leaders, industry advocates, government representatives, and members of the news media to attend the event—which promises to be contemporaneously informative and inspirational.

NAFI President Paul Preidecker states: "The NAFI Summit will bring stakeholders in the flight instruction community together to share CFI tips, techniques and best practices, relevant business skills, and networking opportunities. We will focus on the important topics of professionalism, proficiency, and pilot well-being along with changes to FAA regulations and rules.”

Among myriad topics germane to the flight training profession, the summit will address the challenge of developing personal business acumen in the current, patently challenging economic climate—skills critical to many part-time and self-employed flight instructors. Additionally, the summit will present information intended to improve industry-wide pass rates for initial pilot examinations.

The NAFI summit’s keynote speakers will address the vital role of flight instructors while emphasizing continuous improvement in safety and customer service. In the next few months, NAFI will provide updates as registration and hotel arrangements are finalized.

In addition to an august lineup of keynote speakers, the summit will feature a series of thirty-minute presentations related to flight instruction. Currently, NAFI is accepting presentation abstracts for the summit. Subject works should be 200-250 words (Word or PDF preferred) and relate to the following general areas:

• Managing your own flight instruction business
• Tips and techniques to improve your skills as an instructor
• What went wrong…a look at accident data from instructional flights
• Maintaining your health and well-being
• Creating a path to success for students
• Using new technology effectively

Abstracts may be submitted to summit@nafinet.org . The deadline for submissions is 01 June 2023. NAFI will follow-up with additional details about submitting the final presentations.

FMI: www.nafinet.org