Stages
EBI has three Stages: Application, Review, and Final Processing.

The Application Stage consists of completing the application and required nomination package to submit for review.
Upon submission, applications move to the Review Stage. Our Board of Review is comprised of dedicated individuals who are themselves EBI designees. Reviewers check submissions for completeness, assure eligibility requirements have been met, and perform detailed evaluations of the information provided, paying particular attention to CEUs, inclusive dates, and supporting documentation. Reviewers may contact applicants to seek clarification or request additional information, and may annotate the applications. During the Final Processing Stage, the committee chair evaluates the comments and recommendations made by reviewers, and may spot-check applications. The committee chair also contact professional references. Applicants then receive official notification by email and phone concerning the status of their designations.

Activities

The bulk of the application process is spent documenting qualifying Activities that have occurred within the preceding 24 calendar months of submitting an application. Each Activity submitted for review must include the number of CEUs devoted to it. The quality of the Activity, which the applicant describes with a brief statement of relevance, is also considered. Vouch for your activity and why it is worth the CEU you have given it. Some type of supporting documentation must accompany each Activity claimed as well, and each Activity with its supporting documentation must form a unique, standalone unit from every other Activity. The noted activities are suggestions only. Activities not listed may qualify and are encouraged to be submitted.

The required minimum of 10 CEUs must meet the following criteria:
Note: Approximately 5 hours = 1 CEU

Instructor – At least four (4) CEUs must come from “INSTRUCTOR” category activities;

An EBI is first and foremost an active instructor. This category is intended to be representative of activities in which an instructor is actively providing instruction to a student or a class and is involved in regular evaluation of pilots with regard to the learning, progress, and capabilities of the student as they train.

A sample of possible activities and eligible CEUs below (note activities not listed may qualify):

 Active Instruction – Instruction for Ratings or Certificates (Max. 4 CEUs foreach practical test endorsement given)
 Active Instruction – Flight Reviews/ aircraft checkouts (1 CEU / 2 reviews)
 Teaching aviation related college classes that include a structured gradingor evaluation system (Max. 4 CEU/ class)
 Teaching pilot ground schools that include a structured grading orevaluation system (Max. 4 CEU / ground school)
 Teaching ground instruction to individual students resulting inendorsement for a knowledge test (1 CEU / endorsement)
 Designated Pilot Examiner (1 CEU / 2 flight checks)
 Progress/Stage Checks given (1 CEU / 2 Progress/Stage Checks given)
 Certify wings credit for a student for a Wings level through the FAA SafetyTeam webpage (≈1 CEU)
 Active Instruction – Seminars/ webinars/ podcasts (1 CEU for every 3)

Educator – At least two (2) CEUs must come from the “EDUCATOR” category;

This category relates specifically to efforts an instructor makes providing, developing, or creating educational material specific to the aviation field. This material may not be specifically presented by the instructor to a student or a class, but could be developed and created by the instructor for general usage.

A sample of possible activities and eligible CEUs below (note activities not listed may qualify):

 Teaching safety seminars (≈1 CEU)
 Teaching industry seminars (≈1 CEU)
 FAA Wings program (≈1 CEU / 2 sign-offs)
 Teaching aviation related vocational classes (≈3 CEU)
 Teaching aviation related high school classes (≈1-3 CEU)
 Teaching Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics (≈1-2 CEU)
 Aviation related consultative services (≈1-3CEU)
 Teaching industry training courses (≈1-2 CEU)
 Develop aviation seminar w/ PowerPoint (≈1 CEU)
 Published aviation magazine/journal articles (≈1 CEU)
 Training Course Outline (TCO) (≈2-4 CEU)
 Original ground school course (≈1-3 CEU)
 Aviation related audio/video tapes, CDs, DVDs (≈1-2 CEU)
 Original pre-solo exam/test questions (≈1CEU)
 Aviation related curricula (≈1-3 CEU)
 Aviation pamphlet, brochure, guidebook or manual (≈1 CEU)
 Original aviation research paper (≈1-4 CEU)
 Published aviation newspaper/newsletter articles (≈1 CEU)
 Published aviation book review (≈1 CEU)
 Published aviation book or textbook (≈2-4 CEU)
 Aviation related computer program (≈1-2 CEU)
 Aviation related study guides (≈1 CEU)

Service to the Aviation Community: At least two (2) CEUs from the “SERVICE TO THE AVIATION COMMUNITY” category;

This category specifically refers to areas of involvement that the instructor has had with aviation organizations, community service organizations or other like services. The purpose of this category is to show involvement in and promotion of aviation within the community.

A sample of possible activities and eligible CEUs below (note activities not listed may qualify):

 Youth activities (Camp counselor/Director, etc) (≈1 CEU)
 FAA Safety Team representative (ASC) (≈1 CEU)*
 Mentor to a newly certificated CFI (≈1 CEU)
 Aviation committee chairperson / secretary (≈1 CEU)*
 Aviation organization elected officer (≈1 CEU)*
 Board of Directors of an aviation organization (≈1 CEU)*
 Aviation organization committee / task force. (≈1 CEU)*
 Pro bono position of leadership / responsibility (≈1 CEU)
 High School / College Career Fair (≈1 CEU)
 Response to an FAA NPRM (≈1 CEU)
 Aviation related grant proposal (≈1-2 CEU)
 Aviation related photography (≈1 CEU)
 Aviation related website (≈1-3 CEU)
* per year of activity

Professional Activity – At least two (2) CEUs from the “PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY” category.

An EBI is always learning and increasing his/her knowledge and experience base. The areas in this category related to continued training, experience, or activities that the instructor is involved in personally.

A sample of possible activities and eligible CEUs below (note activities not listed may qualify):

 Aircraft / avionics transitions (≈1 CEU)
 Attending Safety seminars (≈1 CEU / seminars) Ground school for certificate or rating (≈1 CEU)
 Obtaining an Additional certificate or rating (≈1-3 CEU)
 Aviation industry seminars (≈1 CEU)
 Attending Aviation related college class (≈1-3 CEU)
 Aviation related travel experience (as the pilot or instructor) (≈1 CEU)
 Aviation related self-study course (≈1 CEU)
 Restoration of a certificated aircraft (≈1 CEU)
 Accomplish Wings Program levels (≈1 CEU)
 Construction of a homebuilt aircraft (≈1-4 CEU)
 Initial Designated Pilot Examiner course (DPE) (≈3 CEU)
 Aviation related educational tours (≈1 CEU)
 Completion of Flight reviews / aircraft checkouts (≈1 CEU)
 Aviation related conferences / conventions (≈1-2 CEU)
 Renewal of DPE or TCS (≈1 CEU)
 Flight School Ownership or Management (≈1-3 CEU)*
* per year of activity

Think you have what it takes to be named an Elite Balloon Instructor? Shoot us an email at theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com for an applicaiton to be sent your way! Or find it below!

Good luck!

Being an Elite Balloon Instructor comes with many perks including:

• Congratulatory certificate
• EBI lapel pin
• Recognition from The Balloon Training Academy and the National Association of Flight Instructors, a professional aviation education association, that the instructor has achieved a level of professionalism and excellence that exceeds government and industry minimums;
• News releases and e-mail accreditation announcements;
• The fair use of the Elite Balloon Instructor logo to create special Elite Flight Instructor identity items;
• Special listings on this page;
• An industry accreditation that can be used to promote your business or as a reference for future employment;
• Qualifies for an additional insurance discount through Aviation Insurance Resources (subject to policy limits)
• More to come!

Cost due at application: $20 – Please send check with application and make check payable to The Balloon Training Academy

Kent J. Barnes Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

12/23/2019 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Kent J. Barnes as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Barnes, from Murray, UT, currently serves as Assistant Chief Instructor at Balloon the Rockies, a part 141 Flight School. He began with Balloon the Rockies in 2008 as a flight instructor. Barnes has over 1,550 hours LTA PIC time which includes over 680 hours of providing instruction to students.

As an instructor, Barnes has successfully trained many students to their LTA balloon rating. With student’s, Barnes is regarded as calm, yet effective. Former student, Derek Mortensen, recalls, “I lacked confidence in my first few lessons. In hind sight, I made some ridiculous errors, but Kent always remained cool and collected. His ability to foresee a balloons path is remarkable.”

As an educator, Barnes has developed a pre solo written exam, and private pilot training guide. Barnes has also organized a local safety seminar – orchestrating scheduling, venue and speakers. The seminars are known to be well run and provide great learning opportunities.

Barnes has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. Barnes is recognized by the local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) as being the “balloon person” for the office. Barnes is highly regarded by the FAA for his “dedication to safety, passing his knowledge on to future generations of balloonists, and passion.”

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Roger Clark Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

1/24/2020 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Roger Clark as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Clark, from Greer, SC, has just under 4,000 flight hours and passed 39 years of active flying experience in July 2019. Clark has owned his own flight school and balloon company since the late 1980’s.

As an instructor and educator, Clark has successfully trained many students to their LTA balloon rating. Clark is an active flight instructor with 777 hours of flight training given. Clark also organizes and instructs a yearly ground school. As an FAA Safety Team Representative, Clark is active with regional pilots on many safety initiatives.

Student Joseph Hurdt recommended Clark by writing, “he is passionate about ballooning and is always eager to teach and assist others in any way. On the ground, Roger’s advanced knowledge and understanding of weather and various meteorological tools are crucial for pre-flight planning. In the air, his calm demeanor puts students at ease, while conveying the FAA’s Practical Test Standards and demonstrating invaluable piloting skills.”

Clark has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. Clark is organizing and is the Director of the upcoming BFA Southeast Youth Balloon Camp to be held this summer.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Kim Magee Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

2/14/2020 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mrs. Kim Magee as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Magee, from Swisher, IA, was a co-founder and currently serves as Vice President of The Balloon Training Academy a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to hot air balloon education and training. Through The Balloon Training Academy Kim has helped over 150 students pass the FAA Knowledge Exam for hot air balloons.

As an instructor, Magee has successfully trained many students to their LTA balloon rating. With student’s, Magee is regarded as practical instructor always inserting new scenarios for a student to consider and learn from. Mastering the fine details, Magee is highly regarded as the final check ride preparation instructor.

As an educator, Magee has developed a pre solo written exam, and helped train a number of students through ground instruction. Students who’ve taken The Balloon Training Academy have described the course by saying, “I wanted to let you know that I passed my private written with a 92%. I passed my check ride and the DPE said that I was very prepared. I do think your course helped me prepare for sure.” – Mike Lorentz

Magee has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept her own professional education up to date. Magee currently holds 6 World and 9 National Records in hot air balloons. Magee is a valued and sought after speaker on the hot air balloon Continuing Education speaking circuit, having presented at numerous seminars across the USA including the National Convention in Philadelphia in 2018. Magee also serves the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a FAA Safety Team Representative, WINGSPro, and DronePro.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Patrick A. Smith Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

3/6/2020 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Patrick A. Smith as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Smith, from Frederick, MD, is the Program Manager for the Lighter Than Air Insurance Program offered by Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR). AIR offers hot air balloon insurance for individuals and commercial operators.

As an instructor and educator, Smith holds a commercial lighter than air, airplane single and multi-engine, instrument CFI and CFI-I ratings. Patrick has given over 2,750 hours of instruction and was previously an instructor pilot and regulatory information specialist for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Smith has developed training curriculum and has helped numerous students achieve their dreams of becoming pilots.

Smith has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. As a property casualty insurance agent, has held licenses in all 50 states, Patrick provides counseling to hot air balloon pilots and owners. Patrick is an advocate for safety and training pushing the industry forward. Smith attends many hot air balloon safety seminars across the Country. He was first introduced to ballooning in the early 1990s by his mother at a balloon event in Maryland and has logged over 1,150 hours of time in hot air balloons. He also operates the largest balloon operation in Maryland, Tailwinds Over Frederick Hot Air Balloons.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Adam Magee Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

4/17/2020 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Adam Magee as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Magee, from Swisher, IA, was a co-founder and currently serves as President of The Balloon Training Academy a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to hot air balloon education and training. Through The Balloon Training Academy Magee’s pro-bono contributions have helped over 125 new pilots earn their private hot air balloon certificate over the last three years.

As an instructor, Magee is regarded as theoretical instructor with a keen ability to make complex topics relatable and understandable to all.

As an educator, Magee has developed private and commercial ground school courses, private and commercial training syllabus, practical exam preparation courses, and numerous continuing education courses.

Magee has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. Magee was appointed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Designated Pilot Examiner for hot air balloons. He was the first balloonist to be named the 2019 FAA District and Central Region Flight Instructor of the Year. Magee is highly regarded as a national speaker and author on balloon safety. He was the first balloonist to publish in the FAA Safety Briefing Magazine and his hot air balloon training articles can be read in every issue of the Balloon Federation of America’s BALLOONING Journal. Magee also voluntarily serves the FAA as an FAA Safety Team Representative, WINGSPro, and DronePro. Magee has created courses for the FAA Safety Team WINGS program specifically for hot air balloons. He was a reviewer/contributor of the new LTA Balloon Airman Certification Standards (ACS) which will replace the LTA Balloon Practical Test Standards (PTS).

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Drew Egerton Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

7/10/2020  The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Drew Egerton as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Egerton, From Statesville, NC, is a second-generation pilot who has been a pilot for over 13 years, accumulated over 600 hours as pilot in command time, and has won numerous hot air balloon competitions including the US Team Championships, Thurston Classic, Ohio Challenge, and Carolina BalloonFest 3 times.

As an instructor, Egerton has been the recommending instructor to four private pilots but involved in the training of many others. Former student and current commercial pilot Daniel Sasser writes, “in-flight Drew’s calm demeanor put me at ease while also challenging me in various tasks to enhance my flying abilities. Perhaps even more impressive since my own instruction is Drew’s continued commitment to education and instruction of student pilots.” Drew spends countless hours with his students on the ground providing one on one ground instruction.

As an educator, Egerton has developed pre-solo knowledge tests, assisted students in ground school education, and presented at hot air balloon safety seminars and Youth Camps Webinar.

Egerton has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. He has served as Vice President of the Carolinas Balloon Association, been elected to the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) and BFA Hot Air Competition Division Board of Directors. Egerton has served as Assistant Event Director, and Assistant Safety Officer at hot air balloon competitions.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Cameron Wall Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

8/21/2020 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Mr. Cameron Wall as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Wall, from Albuquerque, NM, is owner/president of Peak View Ballooning where he provides passenger rides and flight training. Wall has devoted his time and energy to growing the sport of ballooning. He has trained three students to private this summer alone with more on the way! FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Adam Magee has taken note of the preparedness of Wall’s students, “applicants coming from Cameron have been very well prepared for their practical exam. It is evident that their training has consisted of a thorough review of the Practical Test Standards and that proficiency, safety and good judgement is the cornerstone of their training.”

As an instructor, Wall is energetic and engaging. Former student Brad Hosmer says, “Cameron has an infections love for ballooning which is shared with students. Cameron is always upbeat and positive while giving instruction which puts students at ease and allows them to reach their full potential.”

As an educator, Wall has developed pre-solo written exams, lesson plans, and study guides.

Wall has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept his own professional education up to date. Wall has attended numerous safety seminars, webinars, and ground schools. Wall has been an advocate for youth in ballooning volunteering at youth summer camps and as a board member for the Aerostatic Navigators Under Thirty.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org

Shannon Rote Earns Elite Balloon Instructor Accreditation!

2/11/2021 The Elite Balloon Instructor Committee is proud to announce Ms. Shannon Rote as an Elite Balloon Instructor!

Rote, from Doylestown, OH, has been around ballooning since 1983 and obtained her pilot certificate in 2003.

As an instructor, Rote is welcoming and encouraging to all those interested in learning about ballooning. She often takes new student pilots under her wing and encourages them to obtain their pilot certificate and continuously improve afterwards. One of Shannon’s former students, Jeremy Cowgar says, “Shannon has been instrumental in my life as a balloonist and I am not special, Shannon treats all of her students the same as me.”

As an educator, Rote has developed pre-solo written exams, lesson plans, and study guides. She also organized a ground school for interested students in Ohio and presented safety topics at the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilots Association (NOBPA) Safety Seminar.

Rote has provided great service to the aviation community and has kept her own professional education up to date. Rote has attended numerous safety seminars, and webinars.  She has served four terms on the NOBPA board, served two terms as secretary of NOBPA, and served two terms as president of NOBPA. Rote has also served as scoring officer of many balloon events and assistant to the safety officer at the US nationals.

Elite Balloon Instructor

The Elite Balloon Instructor Program fueled by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) was created to differentiate between commercial balloon pilots.  In the ballooning community, all commercial pilots are considered flight instructors. The Elite Balloon Instructor Program will separate those who provide flight instruction and are raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the ballooning community.

To learn more about the program visit: https://www.theballoontrainingacademy.com/ebi/ or email theballoontrainingacademy@gmail.com

The Balloon Training Academy

The Balloon Training Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to bring the launch field to students across the USA. Through online ground schools, flight instructor refresher courses, continuing education courses, and flight training syllabus we make quality hot air balloon education readily available. To learn more visit: www.theballoontrainingacademy.com  

National Association of Flight instructors

Since 1967, NAFI dedicates its efforts exclusively to “raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community.” NAFI’s renowned Master Flight Instructor program is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration and showcases CFIs who are raising the bar on flight instruction. NAFI is proud to fuel the Elite Balloon Instructor program! To learn more about NAFI visit www.nafinet.org