HU Aviation Professor Receives Top Accreditation

Dr. Donna Wilt

Hampton, Va. – Hampton University’s Dr. Donna Wilt recently earned renewal of her Master Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) accreditation. Wilt, associate professor in the Department of Aviation, is one of only 53 flight professionals in the United States to earn the national accreditation four times.

The master instructor title is a national accreditation recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for the master instructor designation, to earn the title Wilt had to exhibit an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer board of review.

“Earning the accreditation again shows recognition from my peers that I have done a good job,” stated Wilt who is the head of the HU Flight Education Program.

Wilt received the initial Master CFI certification in 2001. She is one of only 14 Virginia instructors to hold the distinction.

“I want to be a good role model to the students,” stated Wilt, who serves as the faculty advisor to the HU flight team. “I have a lot of practical real world examples they can learn from. This is the next generation of flight and it is important to nurture and prepare them.”

Wilt has been working at HU for three years. During that time she has helped shape the subject matter in the flight education program, worked on grants, wrote a chapter in a textbook and served on aviation scholarship awarding committees.

“Dr. Donna Wilt is an outstanding professor, dedicated and committed to excellence in aviation education,” stated Department of Aviation Chair Carey Freeman. “I was happy to recommend her for the Master CFI renewal.”