NAFI Honors Key Contributors With Awards at EAA AirVenture 2026
The association presented awards to Paul Preidecker, Gerry McBurney, and Dr. Tony S. Reed, at its member breakfast at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin on July 23.
PORTAGE, Mich. — August 6, 2026 — The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) honored several top aviation educators with its annual Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award, Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award, and Dr. Victor G. Vogel Award for Mentorship, Wellness Advocacy, and Lifetime Aviation Service Award.
Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award Presented to Preidecker
NAFI has named Paul Preidecker the 2026 recipient of the Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award, the association’s highest honor.
Eggspuehler was one of NAFI’s founders and served as its president for more than 30 years. The award bearing his name recognizes individuals and organizations that have provided outstanding service to NAFI and its members.
Preidecker began flight training at age 34 and earned his flight instructor certificates soon afterward. He later joined Air Wisconsin, where he spent 20 years and was involved in pilot training for 19 of them. Throughout his airline career, he also participated in FAA work groups, chaired industry committees, and spoke at aviation conferences.
Following his airline career, Preidecker continued his involvement in aviation education and training. He served as NAFI president for five years and as a member of its board of directors for a total of eight years. During that time, he contributed to initiatives involving organizational development, membership growth, industry outreach, and advocacy.
Preidecker has also represented the flight training community through industry committees and work groups, including the Part 141 Flight Training Modernization Group and a designated pilot examiner mentoring work group. His broader work has included airline training consulting, conference development, and efforts to improve training materials for Part 135 operators.
“NAFI’s prominent role in the flight training industry is a reflection of Paul Preidecker’s dedication and leadership,” said NAFI Board Chair Karen Kalishek.
Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award Presented to McBurney
NAFI has named Gerry McBurney the 2026 recipient of the Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award.
Laslo served as NAFI’s editor from 2000 to 2011. Created by the NAFI board following his retirement, the award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to NAFI publications. The recipient is selected by NAFI’s editor.
McBurney is a retired airline captain and check airman with more than five decades of aviation experience and a master’s degree in adult education. During his career, he observed that many accomplished pilots preparing to become check airmen possessed extensive technical knowledge but had received relatively little formal instruction in the deeper principles of education.
Drawing on educational theory, professional reading, and his own teaching experience, McBurney developed material to help pilots understand not only what to teach, but how people learn, why certain approaches work, and how instructors can become more effective.
That work became the foundation of “Learning the Craft,” an article series that debuted in the January/February 2025 issue of Mentor. McBurney contributed six articles in 2025 and five more in 2026, offering readers practical guidance on teaching, learning, and instructor development.
His writing reflects his commitment to passing forward the knowledge and generosity he received throughout his 53-year aviation career.
“Gerry’s work represents the qualities this award was created to recognize — expertise generously shared, ideas clearly communicated, and a commitment to strengthening the flight instruction community,” said NAFI Director of Publications and Editor Beth Stanton.
Victor G. Vogel Award Presented to Reed
NAFI has named Dr. Tony S. Reed the 2026 recipient of the Victor G. Vogel Award for Mentorship, Wellness Advocacy, and Lifetime Aviation Service.
The award honors the legacy of Dr. Victor G. Vogel, who served on the NAFI board of directors for five years. It recognizes individuals who reflect Vogel’s commitment to pilot health and wellness, including issues affecting aging pilots, mental health, mentorship, and the well-being of the broader aviation community.
Reed is senior vice president and chief quality, safety, and experience officer at Inspira Health, where he oversees safety, quality, patient experience, and medical education programs across the health system. He previously served as executive vice president and chief medical officer at Temple University Health System.
A board-certified family and sports medicine physician and certified physician executive, Reed also holds an MBA in information technology and a Ph.D. in management with a concentration in organizational and change leadership. He has more than 20 years of experience in student health, wellness, and athletic performance.
Reed is also an aviation medical examiner, a member of the NAFI board of directors, and an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer at Millville Airport in New Jersey. An instrument-rated general aviation pilot, he owns and flies a 1978 Cessna R182.
“Tony Reed exemplifies the high standards Victor Vogel set,” said NAFI Chair Emeritus Robert V. Meder. “His efforts have contributed to the health and well-being of pilots, and NAFI is proud to present him with this award.”
