NAFI Launches Prep for 2023 Instructor Summit

The National Association of Flight Instructors identified the need to bring aviation educators together in a conference format next October.

NAFI’s mission to support in-person instruction will be the theme of the upcoming instructor summit it plans for 2023. [Photo: Adobe Stock]

The National Association of Flight Instructors has long advocated for the critical role that these aviation professionals play in ensuring the safety and proper training of pilots at every level.

With that overarching concept in mind, NAFI announced this week in Oshkosh a future NAFI Summit: Flight Instruction Excellence at EAA AirVenture. 

The event will be dedicated to professionalism in aviation education and training, and it’s on tap for October 2023 at a location yet to be finalized. Three possible venues are under consideration.

NAFI will host current and prospective certified flight instructors, aviation leaders, industry advocates, government representatives, and media at the summit—and FLYING has offered its full support. 

According to NAFI president Paul Preidecker, “NAFI Summit will represent a significant extension of the work NAFI has done throughout our 55-year history to promote excellence in flight instruction through mentorship, education, and advocacy.”

The NAFI Summit will bring stakeholders in the flight instruction community to:

  • share best practices, relevant business skills, and instructional techniques;
  • offer networking opportunities;
  • feature keynote speakers “addressing the vital role of flight instructors, with an emphasis on continuous improvement in safety and customer service.”

At the press conference at Oshkosh on Wednesday, NAFI chair Karen Kalishek commented on the growth the organization has seen, including increased participation in its forums at Oshkosh. “Here at AirVenture, we’re having a phenomenal year…this year we almost doubled the number of onsite presentations…we’ve had several that were standing-room only.” 

That bodes well for the content-focused summit that NAFI is planning. Mark your calendars for October 2023.

Julie Boatman
Julie BoatmanContributor
Based in Maryland, Julie Boatman is an aviation educator and author. She holds an airline transport pilot certificate with Douglas DC-3 and CE510 (Citation Mustang) type ratings. She's a CFI/CFII since 1993, specializing in advanced aircraft and flight instructor development.

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