The events kick off with an opening reception on October 24 in the evening and then fill two days with sessions produced by well-known CFIs, designated pilot examiners, and industry leaders. 

On October 25, the day starts with Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of safety for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and executive director of the Air Safety Institute. He’s going to dive into the scourge of accidents hallmarked by loss of control in flight (LOC-I). Former ASI director Bruce Landsberg will continue the discussion concerning instructional accidents, their causes, and means of mitigation. 

The American Bonanza Society’s Thomas Turner lightens the tone next with a master class on conducting a proper flight review or instrument proficiency check. Then Peter Dittmer will present on the parallels—and differences—between coaching and teaching, and where the CFI falls on that continuum.

And that’s just the first few sessions on day one. Bret Koebbe (Sporty’s Pilot Shop vice president and periodic FLYING columnist), Brian Schiff (airline captain and CFI), and Greg Feith (former National Transportation Safety Board senior air safety investigator) round out the lineups. A DPE panel features NAFI chair Karen Kalishek, flight school owner Mary Schu, and Doug Stewart, past executive director of the Society of Aerospace and Flight Educators.

• READ MORE: Examination Pass Rates To Be Focus of Upcoming NAFI Summit

Former check airman and 47-year CFI Les Abend joins Gary “GPS” Reeves, whom Abend profiled in his August Jumpseat column for FLYING’s print edition on October 26 for a special presentation, “5 Ways Good Instructors Can Give Airline Pilots Their ‘GA Type Rating,’” based on Reeves’ own experience working with airline pilots like Abend, who retired from American Airlines in 2019.

Registration is filling quickly—and September 23 is the hotel deadline for special room rates at three nearby accommodations in Lakeland. The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo campus will host the event on the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL), with aircraft parking available—bring your own tie-downs to ensure those are in place.

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As it was announced last year, the summit will be devoted to flight instructor excellence.

Taking place at the Florida Air Museum on the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, the summit will feature 28 presentations on a variety of topics, including: running your business, health and well-being, tips and techniques, using technology effectively, instructional accident analysis, and creating a path to success for clients. 

• READ MORE: Powley to Join Ranks of Flight Instructor Hall of Fame

Among the speakers are Richard McSpadden, of the Air Safety Institute, Bruce Landsberg, of the National Transportation Safety Board, Tom Turner, of the American Bonanza Society, and airline captain and instructor Brian Schiff. The keynote address will be delivered by Brad Palmer and Everette Rochon from the FAA. And for the dinner, John and Martha King will share their insights in business and instruction.

Registration is open and can be found at nafisummit2023.org. The association has contracted with three hotels for the event, with about 120 rooms available in the blocks. Camping is also available on site—particularly handy if you want to fly into the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (KLAL). The Sun ’n Fun staff will be on hand to assist with parking and tie-downs.

With updates posted regularly on the site, the summit is approaching quickly. For additional information, contact Paul Preidecker, NAFI president, at ppreidecker@nefinet.org.

• READ MORE: Flight Instructors Weigh In on FAA’s Proposed Changes to Certificates

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An aircraft with a long production history starting in Michigan, the multiple Stinson models have seen a wide variety of modifications over the years. Type clubs such as this serve as custodians of information about unique and antique aircraft and are one of the most important methods of sharing best practices for owner maintenance, information about upgrades, STCs, potential maintenance concerns, and piloting techniques.

“We are pleased to again bring together the members of the Stinson family,” said Brett Chilcott, owner of a 1947 Stinson 108-2. “Every time we do this we al get the benefits of camaraderie and information exchange. It makes us all more effective at keeping these pieces of aviation history alive and functioning in our general aviation community.”

Passing Along Resources and Knowledge to the Next Generation

While not every Stinson owner makes it to such an event, those that do learn and then go back to their home aviation communities and share resources with others. For an aircraft that last saw updates to maintenance manuals and even engine maintenance manuals, especially for those that are still operating Franklin engines, decades ago, these events keep knowledge from dying with the older generation of pilots. The last generation of Stinson operators shares their knowledge with the current generation, and the current generation has a duty to share information with the next generation. This is how we keep historic aircraft flying for another generation.

Many of the Stinsons present represent a unique merging of antique and modern. Some had older Franklin engines; some were modified to newer, more current engines with more horsepower. Some had classic VFR-only panels; some were upgraded to modern avionics that were as capable as most modern new production glass panel aircraft. A historic, classic airframe, the Stinson has proven to be adaptable and still relevant to flying in the modern aviation system. This is something that many antique aircraft have been unable to do. Stinsons have proven to be classic and adaptable for modern owners who still love flying them.

• READ MORE: His and Hers Stinsons

I include myself in that group. This event marked a five-year anniversary for my wife and me in the ownership of a 1947 Stinson 108-1. I fly the aircraft regularly to and from the practical tests I give as an FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE), but we also fly it for fun, and I still get a little cranky when it has been too long between flights. My wife will confirm this.

If you are a Stinson owner or operator, join the International Stinson Club. If you don’t own a Stinson, but have another classic aircraft for which there is a type club, join it. I promise your membership will pay dividends in knowledge about your aircraft and help support the communities that keep these pieces of aviation history flying.

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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.

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