Nationally Honored Instructor Breaks Ranks With NAFI

Selected as National Flight Instructor of the Year in 2006, Rich Stowell has resigned his membership in the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)-and demanded a refund of his dues. NAFI management has faced considerable push-back from members in recent months, leading to the establishment of a rival group known as Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). Stowell has thrown his support behind the new group. According to a release from Stowell, he had been an active member and supporter of NAFI for close to two decades, but "could no longer support an organization that not only demonstrates contempt for the concerns of rank and file members, but also no longer provides the value and service to the flight training community."