National Association of Flight Instructors

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) is a membership group for flight instructors in the United States, with members around the globe. It describes itself as the largest association dedicated exclusively to flight instruction. It has promoted aviation education and safety since 1967.

The group's mission is to raise and maintain the professional standing of flight instructors. It does this through three pillars. It educates by offering events and materials that improve instruction. It mentors by helping instructors network and share best practices. It advocates by building ties with industry, schools and government agencies. Its vision is safer pilots through excellence in flight instruction. Members follow a code of ethics that stresses safe learning, ongoing study and respect for others.

Education is a core benefit. The Professional Development Program gives instructors lessons from members, board members and industry leaders. The Master Instructor Program recognizes experienced instructors. MentorLIVE is a live broadcast on the third Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. Eastern, with experts in many parts of flight instruction. CFI Care is a series for instructors, and special interest groups let members discuss shared topics.

NAFI publishes Mentor Magazine and runs the More Right Rudder podcast. It also gives honors, including the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, the Jack J. Eggspuehler Award and the Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award. The NAFI-King Schools Scholarship is also on its list.

Members get discounts through more than 20 industry partners. These include a Flight School Connection and CFI insurance. The group counts more than 8,500 members. It also runs a job board and works with other groups such as The Balloon Training Academy, JSfirm.com and iFlight Planner.

NAFI takes part in live events such as the NAFI Summit, AirVenture at Oshkosh 2026 and the Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo 2027. A board of at least ten volunteer members guides the association. NAFI also takes part in work on testing and training standards and talks regularly with the aviation industry.

Services

• Professional Development Program
• Master Instructor Program
• MentorLIVE broadcasts
• Mentor Magazine
• More Right Rudder podcast
• Awards and scholarships
• Member discounts
• Job board
• Special interest groups