Shane Vande Voort, president of Classic Aviation in Pella, was recently accredited as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) by the Master Instructors LLC Board of Review, the international accrediting authority for the Master Instructor designation as well as the FAA-approved "Master Instructor Program." Vande Voort originally earned this national professional accreditation in 2006 and is one of only 78 worldwide to earn the credential three times.
Master CFI 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'.
Of approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States, fewer than 700 have achieved Master CFI accreditation. Vande Voort is one of only eight Iowa teachers of flight to earn the prestigious "Master" title.
In addition to his flight training duties, Vande Voort is the manager of the Pella Municipal Airport. He is also a licensed A & P mechanic with inspector authorization, an ATP pilot with several type ratings, an FAA Safety Team Representative, and a designated pilot examiner.