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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu
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Source: Eric Shappee, 785-826-2630, wjfpmd@-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6415.
Prepared by: Abigail Crouse, 785-826-2642, acrouse@sal.k-state.edu

Monday, Jan. 7, 2008

K-STATE AT SALINA'S ERIC SHAPPEE RENEWS MASTER CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR STATUS

SALINA -- Eric Shappee, flight and ground instructor and associate professor of aviation at Kansas State University at Salina, has earned renewed Master Certificated Flight Instructor accreditation from the National Association of Flight Instructors.

Shappee has held the professional accreditation continuously since 2001. He is one of only 15 Kansas aviation educators with the prestigious designation. According to the National Association of Flight Instructors, the title is awarded only to the top instructors in the nation.

In all, K-State at Salina has five faculty members who have earned this top designation -- the most of any college or university in the nation, according to the National Association of Flight Instructors. Along with Shappee, they are Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation; Bill Gross, professor of aviation and chief pilot; Bernard King, associate professor of aviation; and Troy Brockway, associate professor of aviation.

The national accreditation, recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration, is earned through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. The accreditation must be renewed biennially and is awarded only to instructors who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth and service to the aviation community.

As part of the honor, Shappee will be recognized at a "Meet the Masters" breakfast sponsored by the National Association of Flight Instructors at the Experimental Aircraft Association's 2008 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., and at the 2008 Sun 'N Fun in Lakeland, Fla.

Shappee serves with the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, is a FAA Safety Team representative, and holds several badges from the Soaring Society of America. At K-State at Salina, Shappee serves as a sponsor of the Women in Aviation group, safety manager on the Safety Committee for the aviation department, a member of the Academic Standards Committee, and a member of the Marchbanks Awards Committee.

The National Association of Flight Instructors provides 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. More information about the association's Master Instructor program is available at http://www.nafimasters.org and http://www.nafinet.org