Michael J Lents, a 1st-time Master and a member of IAC as well as SAFE, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Mike is an aerobatic instructor and aviation lecturer at the University of North Dakota's John D Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences (http://Aero.UND.edu).  He also serves as an assistant coach of the university's aerobatic flight team.  (Photo:  MCFI-A Mike Lents of Grand Forks, ND)  
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Master Instructors LLC takes great pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Michael J Lents, an aerobatic instructor / lecturer at the University of North Dakota and resident of Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Recently, Mike was accredited as a Master CFI-Aerobatic (Certificated Flight Instructor-Aerobatic) by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for the Master Instructor designation as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programä.     

To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 97,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that professional distinction thus far.  The last 18 National Flight Instructors of the Year or FAASTeam Representatives of the Year  were Master CFIs (see: http://www.GeneralAviationAwards.org/) while Mike is one of only 8 North Dakota teachers of flighor t to earn this prestigious "Master" title and one of only 30 worldwide 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 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.

Please feel free to disseminate this information widely.  Questions regarding the Master Instructor Programä may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com   For more information about the Master Instructor Programä and to locate other Masters, please visit the "Find a Master Instructor" section of www.MasterInstructors.org  To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/  The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/