News
July 2023:
Matthew McDaniel, Earns “Master CFI” accreditation for the 11th consecutive time.
Oak Creek WI
In July 2023, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) announced the significant aviation accomplishment of Matthew McDaniel, the owner of Milwaukee’s Progressive Aviation Services and resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Matt’s accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by the National Assoc. of Flight Instructors (NAFI), as well as the FAA. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003, and has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 14 worldwide to have earned the credential eleven (11) times. Additionally, he may be the only to have done so though BOTH FAA-Accredited MCFI Programs throughout his first 10 terms (20 years).
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 100,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 800 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far, and many of them for only 1 or 2 terms. Matt is one of only 17 Wisconsin teachers of flight to earn this prestigious “Master” title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning — both their own, and their students’. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate.
July 2021:
Matthew McDaniel, Earns “Master CFI” accreditation for the 10th consecutive time.
Oak Creek WI
In July 2021, both the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and Master Instructors LLC announced the significant aviation accomplishment of Matthew McDaniel, the owner of Milwaukee’s Progressive Aviation Services and resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Matt’s accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by both organizations, each a separate accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations, as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programs. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 14 worldwide to have earned the credential ten (10) times. Additionally, he may be the only to have done so though BOTH FAA-Accredited MCFI Programs.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 100,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 800 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far, and many of them for only 1 or 2 terms. Matt is one of only 17 Wisconsin teachers of flight to earn this prestigious “Master” title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning — both their own, and their students’. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate.
July 2019:
Matthew McDaniel, Earns “Master CFI” accreditation for the 9th consecutive time.
Oak Creek WI
In July 2019, both the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and Master Instructors LLC announced the significant aviation accomplishment of Matthew McDaniel, the owner of Milwaukee’s Progressive Aviation Services and resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Matt’s accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by both organizations, each a separate accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations, as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programs. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 14 worldwide to have earned the credential nine (9) times. Additionally, he may be the only to have done so though BOTH FAA-Accredited MCFI Programs.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 100,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 800 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far, and many of them for only 1 or 2 terms. Matt is one of only 17 Wisconsin teachers of flight to earn this prestigious “Master” title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning — both their own, and their students’. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate.
July 2017:
Matthew McDaniel, Earns “Master CFI” accreditation for the 8th consecutive time.
Oak Creek WI
In July 2017, both the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and Master Instructors LLC announced the significant aviation accomplishment of Matthew McDaniel, the owner of Milwaukee’s Progressive Aviation Services and resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Matt’s accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by both organizations, each a separate accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations, as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programs. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003,
has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 14 worldwide to have earned the credential eight (8) times.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 100,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 800 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far, and many of them for only 1 or 2 terms. Matt is one of only 17 Wisconsin teachers of flight to earn this prestigious “Master” title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning — both their own, and their students’. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate.
July 2011:
Matthew McDaniel, Earns “Master CFI” accreditation for the 5th consecutive time.
Oak Creek WI
Master Instructors LLC takes great pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Matthew McDaniel, the owner of Milwaukee’s Progressive Aviation Services and resident of Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Recently, Matt’s accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Programä. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 32 worldwide to earn the credential five times. 
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 16 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Matt is one of only 17 Wisconsin teachers of flight to earn this prestigious “Master” title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.”
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning — both their own, and their students’. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate’s flight instructor certificate.
Alexander “Sandy” & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs
Master Instructors LLC, Longmont CO
www.MasterInstructors.org
Nov. 2009:
Matthew McDaniel Named to Avidyne National Flight Instructor Standards Team
R9 Sales Director Trip Taylor Will Lead “League Of Extraordinary Pilots”
Avidyne announced Wednesday that Trip Taylor will be its Director of Integrated Flight Deck Sales, who’s primary responsibility will be managing Avidyne’s Release 9 Flight Deck business unit. But Taylor will also oversee Avidyne’s newly formed National Flight Instructor Standards Team … a.k.a. The League of Extraordinary Pilots.
Taylor, who has flown for Avidyne as a Release 9 demonstration pilot since April 2009, joined the Avidyne sales team full time in September. He is a former Cirrus Air Taxi Pilot and FAA designated Check Airman in Cirrus SR22 aircraft.
Assembled and led by Taylor, the Avidyne National Flight Instructor Standards Team is a highly-accomplished group of pilots from around the country that have been approved to conduct demonstration flights and provide transition and recurrent training for prospects and customers of Avidyne’s Entegra Release 9 aircraft. Each team member was selected for his or her broad experience within the Cirrus instructor community and overall commitment to flight safety. All members are Cirrus Standardized Instructor Program (CSIP) pilots and average nearly 1800 hours of Cirrus flight time.
“We are delighted to have Trip Taylor on board to take our widely adopted Release 9 Flight Deck to a broader range of IFR and safety conscience pilots. Additionally, his leadership in building and standardizing this ‘League of Extraordinary Pilots,’ whose mission is to develop and conduct flight training for and demonstrations of Avidyne’s advanced flight deck systems, is nicely aligned with Avidyne’s long term devotion to flight safety and best practices,” said Rob Higby, Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service. “The caliber of pilots Trip has assembled is further testament to how well received Avidyne’s Release 9 flight deck as become, particularly among general aviation’s most respected leaders.
Each member of the Avidyne National Flight Instructor Standards Team brings a unique set of experiences and skills to the program. The members include:
- Matt McDaniel, a member of the original Cirrus Factory instructor ranks, airline pilot and renowned WAAS expert. Recently renewed Master Instructor status for 4th time. Only 53 instructors in the world have attained that status 4 times. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Bill Frank, longtime Cirrus instructor, Orthopedic Surgeon and Multiple Cirrus owner, current R9 owner. Wisconsin.
- A retired United Captain on the B747, Cirrus R9 owner. From Del Mar, California.
- A professional pilot on a variety of Turbine aircraft, former Marine pilot and highly respected Cirrus Instructor from Atlanta, Georgia.
- 3 other long-time Cirrus instructors from around the country.