CWU "Top Gun" Wilson is a Master Flight Instructor

November 8, 2005

Contact: Dr. Ethan Bergman (509-963-2366/fax 509-963-2787/e-mail: bergmane@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Dale Wilson, Central Washington University flight technology professor, has earned his Master Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) designation from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) for the fourth time.

That puts Wilson in elite company. While there are about 87,000 CFIs in the U.S., less than 500 of then have achieved "master" status. Wilson is one of just 28 in Washington.

"I'm honored to receive this designation from my professional organization," Wilson says. "I've been doing this for almost 25 years and it is still very rewarding to help students achieve their goal of becoming safe professional pilots."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes the designation of national accreditation. To earn it, candidates must complete a rigorous process of continuing education and peer review.

Similar to a flight instructor's certificate, it is renewed biennially. Earning the designation is akin to graduating summa cum laude; the highest academic distinction.

Wilson, a safety counselor for the FAA's Spokane Flight Standards District Office, has given many presentations to pilot groups and has published several articles on the subject of flight safety.

He also received a CWU Alumni Association's 2001 "Excellence in Teaching" award.

NAFI is an international organization dedicated exclusively to raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructors. It has served as the voice of aviation education since inception in 1967, providing support and recognition for the country's aviation educators while helping them raise and maintain their level of professionalism. In addition, the organization is committed to providing a safe and effective learning environments for student pilots.