SAFE#: 0150 Hometown: Ventura, CA Home Airport: KSZP Occupation: Aviation Educator Education: BS & Master of Business Administration Pilot Certificates: ASEL, AMEL, Glider, Commercial, Instrument, CFII, Instrument Ground Instructor, Master CFI and FAA Gold Seal Instructor. Airplanes Flying/Flown: Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Columbia/Cessna 400, P210, T210, Mooney, Citabria, Scout Educational Specialty: Tailwheel, Advanced Avionics, Glass Cockpit, Instrument Training, Primary thru CFII Training |
Q & A
| What drew you to aviation? When I was eight years old I flew from San Luis Obispo to LAX on a DC3. From that day forward I knew that I would make flying a part of my life.
How long have you been involved in aviation education? Thirty-four years. What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Meeting a new student or client and developing a personal relationship with each person. I derive great satisfaction through crafting an approach that maximizes both the learning process and the joy and satisfaction of learning or improving a skill and building personal confidence and competence in each pilot. What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? The bittersweet completion of a successful engagement which confirms the commitment made by all involved in the learning process and knowing that the regular interaction with this person is coming to an end. Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? Each experience is memorable some just leave a larger imprint than others. Why did you join SAFE? Because I believe that we need an aviation education organization that is committed to focusing its energy on improving the skills of the members and the competence and confidence of the people we train. What would you like to see change in aviation? Greater emphasis on the teaching and interpersonal skills required to be first class educators. Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? SAFE must become the center for developing the training tools and programs for teaching the teachers at all levels of aviation training. Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? Achieving the recognition and stature of Master Instructor. Who are your role models in aviation? I look up to any teacher who has made the commitment to pursue aviation education as a full-time profession. Editor’s note: Michael serves on SAFE’s Membership Growth Committee |