GROSS EARNS MASTER CFI; JOINS TWO OTHER MASTERS AT K-STATE

September 25, 2003

SALINA – Applying for master certificated flight instructor designation had been on Bill Gross’s to-do list for a long time. But when he finally completed the lengthy application, it wasn’t long before he had joined the ranks of only nine others in the state of Kansas.

“The application is extensive and requires a lot of documentation for all the requirements,” Gross said. “There are four categories to address: educator, service to the aviation community, creator of classroom media and improvement of self.”

Gross, who is chief pilot and professor at Kansas State University - Salina, has instructed pilots for 33 years. He joined the Kansas College of Technology in 1987, which later merged with K-State and became the university's ninth college, the College of Technology and Aviation. He also is an FAA-designated flight examiner.

Although the process of applying for the master status is quite involved, Gross said part of his inspiration was knowing that two other K-State faculty members had received the honor. Associate professor Barney King, head of the professional pilot program, obtained MCFI status in August of 2001 and renewed this year, while assistant professor Eric Shappee got the award in November 2001.

“Having three master instructors at K-State -- when there are only 10 in the entire state of Kansas -- says a great deal about the level of professionalism within our program," said Marlon Johnson, aviation department head at the college.”

There are approximately 81,000 certificated flight instructors in the United States, and fewer than 400 have earned the MCFI designation, awarded by the National Association of Flight Instructors and recognized by the FAA. To Gross, the real pleasure of being an MCFI is the opportunity to pass his knowledge and experience along to students, especially those who are currently working as flight instructors within the college.

“Having three master CFIs means that as faculty members,” Gross said, “we have documented our level of experience, which is a sound example for our student instructors to work toward and strive for in their own careers.”

Gross earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in agricultural education from Kansas State University. He and his wife, Elaine, have two adult children, Mikala January and Guy Gross.

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