September 5, 2013
Bernard 'Barney' King receives master certificated flight instructor accreditation
Recently, Bernard King's accreditation as a master certificated flight instructor, or CFI, was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for the master instructor designation as well as the Federal Aviation Administration-approved master instructor program.
King, a professor of aviation at Kansas State University Salina, first earned this national professional accreditation in 2001 and has held it continuously since then. He is one of only 16 people worldwide to earn the credential seven times.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 97,000 certificated flight instructors in the United States. Fewer than 800 aviation educators worldwide have achieved one or more of the master accreditations thus far. The last 18 National Flight Instructors of the Year or National FAASTeam Representatives of the Year were masters. King is one of only 24 Kansas aviation educators and one of nine Kansas State University faculty members to earn this prestigious title.
In the words of former Federal Aviation Administration 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 Federal Aviation Administration. 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 Federal Aviation Administration requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.