Aviation Experts Set to Convene at NAFI Summit

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has revealed the schedule for its second edition of NAFI Summit, to take place from 15-17 October 2024 at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Kicking off with a networking reception on the evening of Tuesday,15 October,  the NAFI Summit will bring together a total of 28 educational sessions during the following two days. Topics target both broad trends in the industry—such as the application of AI, and the upcoming MOSAIC aircraft certification implementation—as well as specific strategies for instructors to apply with learners, from autopilot use under IFR to engine-out techniques.

The first full day of the Summit starts the morning of Wednesday, 16 October with two keynote speakers, Dr. Susan E. Northrup, FAA Federal Air Surgeon, and Bruce Landsberg, AOPA Senior Safety Advisor and recently retired NTSB Vice Chairman. Northrup will discuss the results of the recently released aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) report, and Landsberg will focus on answering the “why” of how instructors teach fundamental aviation concepts.

A dinner featuring a lively conversation with legendary instructors John and Martha King will take place Wednesday evening, bookended by more networking opportunities—and the chance to visit the 21-plus exhibitors joining the Summit this year.

NAFI President Paul Preidecker said, “Last year’s Summit was successful because of the strong technical program delivered by industry leaders and experts. This year will be the same. But instead of addressing six themes as we did last year, this year we decided to bring more focus by supporting three very important ones: Training the Trainer, Mentorship and Peer Support, and Pilot Health and Well-Being.”

The Summit is clearly building on its growing resonance with the flight training industry. NAFI Chair Karen Kalishek noted that attendees at the 2023 Summit were very pleased with the high level of networking opportunities and onsite attendance by members of the FAA. “These will be enhanced in 2024 with more participants, more exhibitors, and additional regulatory presentations and representatives,” she added.

NAFI members receive $50 off the full registration fee of $350, while further discounts exist for Master CFIs and designated pilot examiners, as well as active military attendees. Flight schools also benefit from reduced pricing when signing up as a group and bringing at least three instructors—or a maximum of 10

—to the event.

To register for NAFI Summit, please visit the event website.