At EAA AirVenture in late July, the National Association of Flight Instructors recognized several key individuals in the flight training industry for their dedication to the craft and service to the instructional community.
To kick things off, Max Trescott was inducted into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame for 2026. Trescott co-hosts the NTSB NewsTalk podcast on AvBrief. With more than 11,500 hours of dual given in more than 50 years of flying, you might almost forget that Max had a decent paying job as an engineer with Hewlett-Packard before coming over to aviation full time and eventually earning his ATP. While known for his expertise in Cirrus aircraft and ability to play Garmin software like a magician, he also holds a commercial pilot certificate with a rotorcraft rating.
NAFI’s highest honor, the Jack J. Eggspuehler Award, this year goes to Paul Preidecker, former president of NAFI and retired airline pilot. Preidecker spent 20 years flying with Air Wisconsin, but during most of that time, he worked on the training side of the house, mentoring pilots through initial and upgrade programs. Preidecker also contributed significantly to FAA/industry working groups, including most recently the Part 141 Flight Training Modernization Group. “NAFI’s prominent role in the flight training industry is a reflection of Paul Preidecker’s dedication and leadership,” said NAFI Board Chair Karen Kalishek in a release.
NAFI also honors editorial leadership in the flight training realm with its Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award, named for the longtime editor of NAFI’s Mentor magazine. For 2026, NAFI has named Gerry McBurney the recipient of the award, for his “commitment to passing forward the knowledge and generosity he received throughout his 53-year aviation career,” according to NAFI. “Gerry’s work represents the qualities this award was created to recognize—expertise generously shared, ideas clearly communicated, and a commitment to strengthening the flight instruction community,” said NAFI Director of Publications and Editor Beth Stanton.
