UAA’s Mark Madden accredited as a Master Certified Flight Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors

By: Staff Jun 16, 2008

ANCHORAGE, AK – Mark Madden, associate professor of aviation technology at UAA, recently earned his Master Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) accreditation from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). He is one of only two aviation educators in Alaska to hold the prestigious Master CFI title.

In addition to teaching aviation technology at UAA, Madden is active in the Alaska aviation community and serves on the Board of Directors of the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation and is a Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAASTeam) representative for the FAA’s Flight Standards District Office in Anchorage.

The Master Instructor designation is the only industry professional accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates earn the title by going through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor’s certificate, it must be renewed biennially. The Master Instructor designation identifies outstanding aviation educators who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth and service to the aviation community.

Master CFIs represent the “crème de la crème” of the aviation industry. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best the right seat has to offer.” There are approximately 91,000 CFIs in the United States, and fewer than 600 have earned the Master CFI designation thus far.

Madden will be recognized for his noteworthy accomplishment at NAFI’s “Meet the Masters” breakfasts during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Wisconsin.

NAFI, Madden’s professional aviation education association, is dedicated to providing support and recognition for America’s aviation educators while helping them raise and maintain their level of professionalism. It is also committed to providing a safe and effective learning environment for student pilots. The Association was founded in 1967 and became affiliated with the EAA in 1995.

For more information on the NAFI Master CFI program, please call (303) 485-8136 or visit . For more information on UAA’s Aviation Technology Division visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/ctc/aviation/.