DWC Aviation Professor Earns Master CFI Accreditation for Sixth Time

 

(Nashua, NH) —Daniel Webster College (DWC) and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Phillip J Poynor, a Daniel Webster aviation professor and a resident of Nashua, NH.  Recently, Phil's designation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by NAFI, his professional aviation education association. He was one of the first aviation educators to earn this professional accreditation and has held it continuously since 1997.
 
To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 90,000 CFIs in the United States; fewer than 600 of them have achieved that distinction thus far. The last twelve national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Phil is one of only 5 New Hampshire aviation educators to earn this prestigious "Master" title.  In the words of FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The flight instructor is where the rubber meets the runway. The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."    

 

Poynor has been with Daniel Webster since 2003 and holds an MBA from DePaul University and a J.D. from St. Johns University.

 

Founded in 1965, Daniel Webster is a student-focused independent college with a primary concentration on experiential learning. Daniel Webster College's nationally ranked degree programs in aviation — aviation flight operations, air traffic management, and aviation management — are well complemented by its innovative programs in business and management, computer science, aeronautical and mechanical engineering, and social and behavioral sciences.

 

Daniel Webster College’s Professional Pilot — Flight Operations Degree — is Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited and is a Certificated Air Agency under the guidelines of Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. All of the instructors are FAA Certificated Instructors.

DWC's air traffic management major is one of only 13 academic programs recognized by the FAA as part of its Collegiate Training Initiative.

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA that 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 Phil 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.