Flight Instructor Hall of Fame Information

Flight Instructor Hall of Fame Inductees

Purpose
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) sponsors the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame (HOF).  The HOF is on permanent display at EAA's AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Its purpose is to recognize those individuals who have made significant regional or national-level contributions to aviation education and flight instruction while reflecting credit upon themselves and their profession.  It highlights the important role flight instructors’ play as a foundation for the safety of the entire national air transportation system.  Each year, an inductee is selected and honored during the annual Halls of Fame banquet held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh. 

Selection Process and Timelines
HOF nomination packets will be accepted in NAFI's executive office any time but must be submitted not later than June 1st to be considered for that calendar year.  Upon receipt, each packet will checked for required components, credentials will be verified and references will be contacted.  A selection committee will review all eligible packets and a decision will be made on or before July 15th each year.  The inductee will be named and publicly announced during AirVenture in late July.  A formal award presentation will take place in the fall of the year at the annual Halls of Fame banquet held in the EAA Aviation Center.  All eligible candidates who were not selected will remain in a pool and will be reconsidered the following year.

Eligibility
* All Flight Instructor Hall of Fame nominees must have worked in the field of aviation education under 14 CFR Parts 61, 121, 141 or 142 for a minimum of twenty (20) years prior to nomination;
* Nominees must have held a valid FAA-issued flight instructor certificate during that time;
* Nominees may have worked as flight instructors, pilot examiners, technical support developers, instructional innovators, academicians, publication and/or text book authors, etc;
* Nominees must be of good moral character [i.e., FAR 61.153(c)] and must be respected within the aviation industry for their integrity, professionalism and diligence;
* Prior felony convictions may be disqualifying;
* Prior suspension or revocation of any airman certificate may be disqualifying;
* Prior assessment of a civil penalty for pilot or flight violations may be disqualifying;
* Prior accident history will be considered and may be disqualifying.
* Special provisions and accommodations will be made for posthumous nominations and awards. 

Selection Criteria
Candidates will be judged on sustained superior performance in the field of aviation education as well as contributions to and accomplishments in aviation.  For example:

* Enhancement of aviation safety;
* Development of effective / innovative teaching techniques;
* Advancement of professional standards;
* Development of significant technical support;
* Achievement of professional excellence;
* Creation of innovative instructional materials;
* Partnership on projects with the FAA and/or industry;
* Being a role model for and a mentor to other aviation educators. 

Questions regarding the HOF nomination process may be directed to NAFI's main office at 920-426-6801.

Nomination Form
Flight Instructor Hall of Fame Inductees