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honors & Awards

Celebrating Member Achievement

NAFI recognizes the achievements of members all around the world. Here is a sampling of industry awards programs granted to our members.

Flight Instructor Hall of Fame

Celebrate those individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation education and flight instruction while reflecting credit upon themselves and their profession. This honor highlights the important role flight instructors play as a foundation for the safety of the entire national air transportation system.

Mary Latimer
Mary Latimer, the 2025 inductee to the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame
David Hipschman (right), 2023 winner of the Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award

Jack J. Eggspuehler Award

The Jack J. Eggspuehler Award, named for the NAFI founder, is the highest honor that NAFI bestows. The award is given to deserving members, industry leaders, and/or organizations that have performed great services for NAFI in benefit of its members. This award must be voted on by the NAFI Board of Directors by two thirds majority and is traditionally awarded at the NAFI Breakfast at EAA AirVenture. 

Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award

The Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award is NAFI’s recognition of outstanding contributions by members, industry leaders, and/or organizations to NAFI publications such as Mentor and eMentor. The award is named for former editor Greg J. Laslo.

Greg J. Laslo (left) with 2013 winner Alexander Burton (right)
Dr. Victor G. Vogel

Dr. Victor G. Vogel Award for Mentorship, Wellness Advocacy, and Lifetime Aviation Service

In recognition of his dedication and service, the NAFI Board of Directors has unanimously approved the establishment of the Dr. Victor G. Vogel Award for Mentorship, Wellness Advocacy, and Lifetime Aviation Service. This award will be given to the aviation professional who exemplifies those qualities shown by Victor. It will be awarded at the discretion of the board, reviewed on an annual basis.

NAFI-King Schools Scholarship

King Schools and NAFI have teamed up to create an opportunity for a CFI to receive a valuable scholarship to further their education and training.

The award includes $5,000 to apply toward an initial CFI rating or any CFI add-on rating, access to the entire library of King Schools online courses for life (valued at $15,000), and FIRCs for life. Scholarship value $20,000.