The Master Instructor Continuing Education Program (MICEP) was originally conceived by Colorado CFIs JoAnn and Sandy Hill in 1995.

After two years of research, development, and vetting, the program was formally announced by then-FAA Administrator Barry Valentine, who offered the following endorsement: The FAA is pleased to see that industry is taking its own steps to raise the quality and professionalism within the flight instructor community. The Hills are to be commended for putting together a detailed program in the form of the Master Instructor designation that will truly enhance the abilities of dedicated instructors everywhere.

MICEP has grown from very humble beginnings to a nationally recognized—and highly coveted—credentialing program. According to the General Aviation Awards program, from 1998 to 2014, 81 percent of the National winners in the Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year and the FAA Safety Team Rep of the Year categories combined were MICEP designees.

As a measure of the program’s national significance, former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey observed in 2007: The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.

In 2008, acting FAA Administrator Robert A “Bobby” Sturgell stated: … kudos to Sandy and JoAnn Hill for their dedication to the Master Instructor program and the Masters themselves.

SAFE is proud to support Master Instructors LLC and the Master Instructor Continuing Education Program. FMI, see www.MasterInstructors.org.