The 2012 Spring Encampment kicked off recently at Naval Station Great Lakes / Recruit Training Center. The activity dates this year are 21-23 and 27-29 April at the facility located north of Chicago.
This year has been a record year for attendance, the first year under command of Major Brian Pokuta. There is a total of 148 personnel, from 30 squadrons located in 7 different CAP Wings, attending this activity.
"I'm gratified to see not only veteran encampment staff here this year, but many new, energetic faces. All feedback thus far has been to the effect of what a great experience everyone is having this year", said Pokuta, who is also the Group 22 commander.
A key factor in the early success of this activity has been the generosity of the USN liaison staff. On their own initiative, they have consistently offered CAP exposure to training drills that are normally reserved for navy recruits only. Additionally, they have expressed that they are impressed with the professionalism and bearing of all the CAP personnel attending this year.
This year's billeting is in the USS Hopper, named for the pioneering US Navy computer scientist, RADM Grace Hopper. Her namesake, the USS Hopper (DDG-70), is one of only 2 ships ever named for a woman from the Navy ranks.
Graduation for this year's Encampment will be on 29 April in the USS Midway hall. Watch here for an update on Week #2 after conclusion of this weekend's schedule.
CAP Lt. Col. Lou Wipotnik, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Wipotnik is an independent Chicago-area flight instructor who also teaches with Leading Edge Flying Club at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). The 1996 Nationl CFI of the Year, he is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's DuPage FSDO area and serves as the Operations Training Officer at Palwaukee Composite Squadron.
Master Instructors LLC takes great pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of CAP Lt. Col. Lou Wipotnik, the 1996 National CFI of the Year. Recently, Wipotnik's accreditation as a Master CFI was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for Master Instructor designations as well as the FAA-approved Master Instructor Program. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 1998, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 9 worldwide to earn the credential eight times.
To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 96,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 17 national Flight Instructors of the Year - including Wipotnik - were Master CFIs, while Wipotnik is one of only 15 Illinois teachers of flight to earn this prestigious "Master" title.
In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning -- both their own, and their students'. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.
For more information about the Master Instructor Program and to locate other Masters, please visit the "Find a Master Instructor" section of www.MasterInstructors.org To learn more about the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), visit http://SafePilots.org/ The International Aerobatic Club (IAC) can be reached through their website at http://IAC.org/
