KALAMAZOO, MI — 11/26/2025 The National Association of Flight Instructors is proud to announce that NAFI member Michael Ferry has earned accreditation as a NAFI Master Flight Instructor.
Ferry is the Ascend Program Manager and check instructor at Hillsboro Aero Academy in Hillsboro, Oregon. She provides private, instrument, and commercial training with a specialization in multi-engine instruction in the Piper Seminole. Known for her professionalism and dedication to safety, Ferry is passionate about developing skilled, confident aviators prepared for today’s demanding aviation environment. Her commitment to excellence
and mentorship embodies the highest standards of flight instruction and reflects her belief that great instructors not only teach pilots to fly — but to lead with precision and integrity.
The NAFI Master Flight Instructor Accreditation is earned by aviation educators based upon a system of advanced professional standards and peer review. The accreditation identifies and publicly recognizes those teachers of flight who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community. The NAFI Master Instructor accreditation is for two years and may be used to renew an FAA flight instructor certificate. Applicants must have been a CFI for two years and have given 1,000 hours of flight instruction. In addition, candidates must meet and document activity in four NAFI
Master Instructor categories (Instructor, Educator, Service to the Aviation Community, and Professional Activity). Members of the National Association of Flight Instructors work as independent instructors, at flight schools, universities, FBOs, corporate flight departments and in the military. Since 1967, NAFI and its members, who teach in thirty countries, are dedicated
to increasing and maintaining the professionalism of flight instruction. NAFI members influence active pilots daily: students working to become pilots, current pilots training to advance their skills with new ratings or certificates and pilots who seek to improve their skills with recurrent training. NAFI also serves as an advocate with industry and government as a voice for flight
instruction. NAFI helps shape the current and future direction of flight training. For more information about NAFI or the NAFI Master Instructor program call 866-806-6156 or visit www.NAFINet.org.
Source: National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). “Michael Ferry Earns NAFI Master Flight Instructor Accreditation.” Press release, November 26, 2025.