NAFI vs SAFE?
- Thread starter rframe
- Start date
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
IMS, NAFI offers a bumper sticker for people who can't hear you talking about how you're a Pilot.
rframe
pǝʇɹǝʌuı
Well that alone is worth the $50, but would it clash with my AOPA Wings window sticker, "I'd Rather Be Flying" license plate frame, "NV3RT3D" novelty license plate, and "Remove Before Flight" antenna streamer?
jrh
Well-Known Member
IMO, SAFE is by far more active as an organization. If you're a low time instructor looking for a mentor, SAFE is probably the place to go. They also have a good library of member-contributed material on their member web site. SAFE is more "cutting edge" with regard to finding new ways to retain students, improve safety records, etc. I see the best possibility for future growth with SAFE.
But NAFI is a good organization, too. I like their "Mentor" magazine. They also have better name recognition, although SAFE has gone a long way towards gaining acceptance.
I don't think either is a waste of money. However, if I were to pick one (which I did, when it came time to renew memberships this year) I'd pick SAFE.
But NAFI is a good organization, too. I like their "Mentor" magazine. They also have better name recognition, although SAFE has gone a long way towards gaining acceptance.
I don't think either is a waste of money. However, if I were to pick one (which I did, when it came time to renew memberships this year) I'd pick SAFE.
CoffeeIcePapers
Well-Hung Member
I use NAFI because it is the only way I can get non-owned coverage for a twin.
TwoTwoLeft
o- - - - - - -l
I'm SAFE....
rframe
pǝʇɹǝʌuı
What do you feel you are getting out of (or contributing to) the organization?
How do you feel a new CFI will benefit most from these groups. I'm interested in the mentoring programs, but how do they work? Are they formal coaching arrangements with structure or is it just a way to provide introductions to people willing to answer questions? Is there a cost for these programs?
On the CFI insurance, is the value much better than what is available from a broker if one isn't planning on doing any MEI work anytime soon?
drunkenbeagle
Gang Member
EAA - mostly because they have the best magazine.
rframe
pǝʇɹǝʌuı
That's sort of my concern, if I'm going to drop another $50 on yet another organization, I'm hoping it provides more value than a magazine subscription... yet so far all I'm reading about either organization is vague 'benefits' descriptions with no substance.
NAFI talks about promoting the flight instructor. SAFE actually promotes the flight instructor.
Right now I'm mentoring a new CFI, the connection made through SAFE's Mentor Program. We've had a few good conversations which allowed him to easily pass his first CFI job interview, and now he is a working, full-time, CFI. I have openings for three more SAFE members for being mentored.
Because of SAFE's latest symposium on changing flight training, there is now a combined private/instrument certificate course and checkride for part 141 schools. Several flight training organizations have made their syllabi available to everyone for free. My company, Qref, made both our syllabi and our Checkride Checklists available due to the symposium, see http://www.safepilots.org/public-documents/.
SAFE has far better flight instructor insurance than the fake stuff offered by NAFI. I'm no fan of Falcon Insurance after they denied a flight instructor claim, despite the claim clearly being the flight instructor's fault. Why bother having instructor insurance at that point? SAFE insurance covers Single Engine, Multi Engine, Sail Planes, Sea Planes, LSAs, Standard and Experimentals. You can get coverage for instructing in VLJs and other jets as well.
There are several other committees and programs one can be involved in through SAFE. Some are assisting the FAA in re-writing the training handbooks. Others assist in re-writing the Knowledge Test Questions. There's programs to revise the PTS, regulations, and more.
When CA decided to remove flight training's exemption from the "all instructors must be colleges or universities" regulation, SAFE stepped up to the plate immediately, brought AOPA on board, and with NATA, finally got the exemption reinstated. When AZ tried to do the same thing, SAFE members filled the meeting, and AZ backed down. We heard nothing, not even a press release, from NAFI during the initial, and most critical stages of organizing the opposition for either state.
I left NAFI during the debacle, and am a founding member of SAFE.
I think you should point Michael at this thread. He could chime in on SAFE well.
TwoTwoLeft
o- - - - - - -l
Or go off on NAFI.... Haha!
There's really nothin I can add that hasn't already been said. I originally jumped ship from NAFI just to support SAFE. In the long run, I think they proved themselves to be a worth-while origination.
Mike H
Well-Known Member
Excellent!
Welp, he does have good reason. They kind of screwed him around IIRC.
spoolinup22
Well-Known Member
Any other organizations that are beneficial to cfi's?
Mach.12
Well-Known Member
No...its not.
Fly_Unity
Well-Known Member
Im with NAFI, But only because I decided to go for my Master Flight Instructor award. Looking at SAFE's application, almost anyone CFI can become a Master CFI. NAFI has an extensive application with higher requirements so I decided to go for the top! I also like their magazine, and Bose just sent me $50.00 for me being with NAFI and using their headset. SAFE seemed to be a copy of NAFI. This was just my outside impression, but go see for yourself.
MidlifeFlyer
Well-Known Member
SAFE was the result of unfortunate in-fighting withing NAFI and a move by the people who created the MCFI program to separate themselves.
I left NAFI over the BS and am not a member of either organization.