Inside…
Aviation Professor Soars High
Dr. Donna Forsyth Wilt
Like most faculty Dr. Donna Forsyth Wilt, associate professor in the Department of Aviation, was busy this summer preparing for the fall semester. Wilt also decided to reach for new heights within the aviation industry. She recently earned renewal of her Master Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) accreditation. Wilt 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 Flight 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.”
- Naima A. Gethers