01/08/07
Christopher Wayne "Chris" BUDAHN, Master CFI
Austin MN
Christopher Budahn recently earned his Master CFI accreditation. Chris is a fixed and rotary wing flight instructor with Austin Aeroflight (www.AustinAeroflight.com), a full service FBO at Austin Municipal Airport (AUM). He also serves as an air traffic control specialist with the Minnesota Army National Guard.
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Christopher W Budahn, a flight instructor with Austin Aeroflight and resident of Austin, MN. Recently, Chris was accredited as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) by NAFI, his professional aviation education organization.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 90,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 500 of them have achieved that distinction thus far. The last eleven national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Chris is one of only 9 Minnesota aviation educators who has earned this prestigious "Master" title. In the words of FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The flight instructor is where the rubber meets the runway. 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 that 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 Chris will be invited, during EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland. Any support that can be provided will be appreciated.
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.
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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