The 47th annual edition of the world's largest recreational aviation event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, will be held July 29-Aug. 3 at Wittman Regional Airport.

In 1998, more than 12,000 airplanes were flown into the event, which had an estimated attendance of 855,000. EAA AirVenture '98 was highlighted by more than 500 educational forums, seminars and workshops; more than 700 exhibitors; more than 2,700 showplanes in 11 categories; daily air shows with the world's finest civilian performers; and a wide variety of informational and entertaining programs.

The event is the annual convention for the 170,000 members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). EAA's divisions also have permanent sites on the AirVenture grounds, with programs throughout the week-long event.

"EAA AirVenture has become aviation's annual family reunion," AirVenture Chairman Tom Poberezny said. "Top aviation policymakers and aviation enthusiasts from around the world have an opportunity to meet and discuss aviation issues. There are also activities for every age and interest within the world of flight."

Three flight instructors who combined total nearly 40,000 hours of flight time have been selected as the 1998 inductees to the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame. The three - Bill Kershner, Marvin Easter and the late Joe Vorbeck - will officially be inducted during a program this fall in Oshkosh, Wis. The Hall of Fame is administered by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

The Hall of Fame was created to raise the stature and recognition of flight instructors, as well as promote greater appreciation of the role flight instructors have in training pilots at all levels. A six-member committee considered nominations submitted from around the world. Each year's class of inductees are then announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

"The three 1998 inductees reflect the experience and dedication within the flight instructor community," said NAFI Executive Director Sean Elliott. "This significant Hall of Fame effort parallels the programs of NAFI, which has worked to recognize and raise the status of flight instructors for more than 30 years."

Kershner, of Sewanee, Tenn., has logged more than 11,000 hours of flight time, including more than 4,000 as a flight instructor. He is perhaps best known as the author of several books and manuals for pilots and instructors. One of Kershner's nominators called him "right at the top of everything that a flight instructor should be."

Easter, a Columbus, Ohio resident, has more than 40 years experience in aviation, including more than 11,000 hours of instruction. He was also chief flight instructor for the Ohio State University aviation program, which trains some 200 flight students per year. He has also participated in numerous teaching and course development activities for flight safety.

Vorbeck, who died in November 1996, was often called "Mr. Instrument Flying" because of knowledge of instrument flying rules and procedures. He logged more than 14,000 flight hours. He taught aviation at the University of Illinois and was chairman of general aviation technology at Purdue University. He also assisted with formation of NAFI in the mid-1960s.

The Flight Instructor Hall of Fame was founded in 1997. It welcomes additional inductees annually. Public recognition of all inductees is maintained at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wis.

NAFI was founded in 1967 and is dedicated to raising and maintaining the professional standing of flight instructors throughout the nation, as well as providing a safe and effective learning situation for students. In addition, NAFI initiates education and support programs throughout the aviation industry. The organization affiliated with EAA in May 1995.

Ultralight flight instructors now have an opportunity to participate in the popular Master CFI Program created by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI).

The Master Flight Instructor Designation Program is dedicated to ultralight instructors. It recognizes the top instructors in that facet of aviation and allows them to enhance their abilities as both pilots and educators. The program rewards continuous professional development and involvement in the aviation community.

"For more than 30 years, NAFI has represented and supported the instructional community," said NAFI Executive Director Sean Elliott. "The Master Flight Instructor Designation Program recognizes quality ultralight instructors as a 'cut above' in the ultralight flight training industry. It also creates a professional standard similar to those used in other disciplines for years."

The two-year program requires the completion of 32 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), chosen from a schedule of activities that meet credit requirements. The Master Flight Instructor Program encourages instructors, both full- and part-time, to engage in professional activities to enhance their teaching skills. FAA-credentialed instructors, teaching in ultralights and/or powered parachutes, can benefit.

"Because this is a continuing education program, an instructor can begin participation in the program at any time during his or her FAA 24-calendar month certification period," Elliott said. "This program will help professionalize ultralight flight instructors, encouraging high standards and improving opportunities for professional growth and development. In the long run, both instructors and students will benefit from this program."

The registration fee for the program is $95. Membership in NAFI is required. More information can be obtained through NAFI Headquarters at 920-426-6801 or through NAFI's World Wide Web site (www.nafinet.org).

Individuals or groups dedicated to the advancement of ultralight flying will have a place to recognize those who have made significant contributions to that facet of recreational aviation beginning in October 1999, when the Ultralight Hall of Fame welcomes its first group of inductees. The Ultralight Hall of Fame will be located at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Aviation Center in Oshkosh.

"In just 20 years, ultralight flying has become a very popular segment of the aviation community," EAA President Tom Poberezny said. "The Ultralight Hall of Fame is designed as a celebration of dedicated individuals or groups whose vision, talent and commitment to the ultralight movement deserves special recognition."

Nominations are now being accepted for the Hall's inaugural group. Those nominations must be made in writing and received by EAA before June 1, 1999. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling the EAA Ultralight Programs Office at 920-426-6522 or e-mailing the office (ultralights@eaa.org).

JC Boylls, a National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Master CFI from Encinitas, Calif., has been named as the Certified Flight Instructor of the Year by the 1998 General Aviation Awards Program. The national awards program is a cooperative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry.

Boylls has been an active flight instructor in the San Diego area for the past 20 years, with more than 3,600 hours of dual instruction time. He was appointed as an Aviation safety Counselor and designated an FAA Pilot Examiner for the San Diego Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in 1989 because of his outstanding professional reputation and quality of flight instruction. Boylls also writes a monthly column for In Flight USA magazine.

"We congratulate JC Boylls on this award, which recognizes his contributions to the aviation industry," said Sean Elliott, NAFI Executive Director. "His Master CFI designation reinforces his abilities and dedication to raising standards for flight instructors."

Boylls will receive his award during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention in Las Vegas on Oct. 19-21, 1998.

The Master CFI program allows top instructors to enhance their abilities as pilots and educators. The program rewards continuous professional development and involvement in the aviation community.