Arizona Flight School's Chief Instructor Designated Nation's 20th Master CFI-Aerobatic

Clarke McNeace recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation. Clarke is the chief CFI with APS Emergency Maneuver Training (www.APSTraining.com) at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) where he specializes in upset and aerobatic training. A former naval aviator and combat veteran, he also serves as a FAASTeam rep in the Scottsdale FSDO area. (Photo: MCFI-A Clarke McNeace of Queen Creek, AZ)
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The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of J Clarke McNeace, the chief flight instructor at APS Emergency Maneuver Training (www.APSTraining.com) and a resident of Queen Creek, Arizona. Recently, Clarke was designated a Master CFI-Aerobatic by NAFI and IAC.

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 92,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 600 of them have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 13 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs. Clarke is one of only 21 Arizona aviation educators to earn this prestigious "Master" title and one of only 20 nationwide to earn aerobatic accreditation. 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 the industry's only professional accreditation recognized by the FAA. It is earned by candidates through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those "Teachers of Flight," who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.

Earning this designation is tantamount to having the words summa cum laude emblazoned on an instructor's certificate. These Masters truly represent the crème de la crème of our industry! To publicly recognize these individuals and their noteworthy accomplishments, NAFI will be hosting its "Meet the Masters" breakfasts, to which Clarke will be invited, during EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland.

NAFI 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 affiliated with EAA in 1995.

Please feel free to disseminate this information. Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or NAFIMasters@aol.com Additional information is available at http://www.NAFIMasters.org/ and www.NAFInet.org

Please feel free to disseminate this information. Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or NAFIMasters@aol.com. Additional information is available at http://www.NAFIMasters.org/ and www.NAFInet.org. 

G Alexander "Sandy" Hill, MCFI
Phone: 303-485-8136
Vice President, Dir of Education
Nat'l Association of Flight Instructors
www.NAFIMasters.org

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Images for Media Use: Courtesy of APS Emergency Maneuver Training

J. Clarke "Otter" McNeace	Extra 300L	Front Cockpit Photo	Rear Cockpit Photo