I'm kinda proud of this

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lee WEDLAKE, Master CFI (Renew: 3Jun08 ) Fort Myers

Lee A Wedlake recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Lee is an independent flight and ground instructor working primarily at Punta Gorda's Charlotte County Airport (PGD). He is also serves as a check pilot with the Civil Air Patrol's Florida Wing and is a FAASTeam representative for the FAA's Orlando FSDO.
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The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) takes pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Lee A Wedlake, an independent Punta Gorda-area flight instructor and a resident of Fort Myers, Florida. Recently, Lee's designation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by NAFI, his professional aviation education association. He has held this professional accreditation continuously since 2006. To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 91,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 600 of them have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 13 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Lee is one of only 59 Florida aviation educators to earn this prestigious "Master" title. 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 the only industry professional accreditation recognized by the FAA. It is earned by candidates through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially. This process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those "Teachers of Flight," who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. Earning this designation is tantamount to having the words summa cum laude emblazoned on an instructor's certificate. These Masters truly represent the crème de la crème of our industry! To publicly recognize these individuals and their noteworthy accomplishments, NAFI will be hosting its "Meet the Masters" breakfasts, to which Lee will be invited, during EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland. Any support that can be provided will be appreciated. NAFI is dedicated to providing 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. The Association was founded in 1967 and affiliated with EAA in 1995.Please feel free to disseminate this information.
Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or NAFIMasters@aol.com Additional information is available at http://www.NAFIMasters.org/ and www.NAFInet.org
G Alexander "Sandy" Hill, MCFIPhone: 303-485-8136Vice President, Dir of EducationNat'l Association of Flight Instructorswww.NAFIMasters.org