Mark E. Madden, a two-time Master and SAFE member, renews his Master CFI accreditation

Mark E. Madden is a professor of aviation technology at the University of Alaska Anchorage as well as an independent Merrill Field (PAMR) flight instructor.  The 2010 Alaska Region FAASTeam Representative of the Year, he also serves on the board of the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation.

Recently, Mark's accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Program.  He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2008 and has held it continuously since then.

To help put these achievements in proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far.  The last 15 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Mark is one of only three Alaska instructors to earn this prestigious "Master" title.  In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA.  Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review.  The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism.  Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning-both their own, and their students'. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.

For more information about the Master Instructor Program call (303) 485-8136 or e-mail MasterInstrs@aol.com.  To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/. A list of other Masters is available in the "Find a Master Instructor" section of www.MasterInstructors.org.