Eggspuehler honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Board of Directors of the National Association of Flight Instructors has honored NAFI founder Jack Eggspuehler with its newly created Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am very pleased that NAFI has presented this award to Jack. By helping create the association, he has helped raise the professional standards for the flight instructor. Perhaps more important, he has provided a venue that, for nearly 50 years, encourages instructors to educate each other, helping make aviation better for all. This award is merely a small token for the true appreciation we have for Jack’s efforts,” NAFI Board Chair Bob Meder said.

In 1967, Eggspuehler led a small group of aviation professionals to create NAFI. He served as the organization’s president for 30 years.

An Ohio native, he began his flying career in the U.S. Air Force, and served a long tenure as a flight instructor and professor of aviation at Ohio State University before retiring in 1980. He also founded several iconic restaurants in Ohio and had a long career in banking.

In 2000, the National Aeronautic Association selected Eggspuehler to receive its prestigious “Elder Statesman of Aviation Award.” In announcing that award, NAA said “Mr. Eggspuehler’s name is synonymous with a lifelong pursuit of commercial and general aviation safety through education.”

He was one of the first FAA Designated Pilot Examiners to be granted authority to conduct initial flight instructor practical tests. He was also among the first to be appointed as an FAA Designated Written Test Examiner.

He also served as chairman of the national panel to review pilot training and certification on the FAA Designated Pilot Examiner’s Committee.

Eggspuehler has co-authored two books “Studies of Pilot Performance in the Flight Environment,” published by Ohio State University, and “Study to Determine the Flight Profile and Mission of the Certificated Private Pilot,” published by the FAA.