Presenter Catherine Cavagnaro, DPE, CFI-I, ATP, PhD, draws from her experience as an aerobatic flight instructor, FAA designated pilot examiner, monthly contributor for AOPA Pilot Magazine and mathematics professor to offer advice for pilots and flight instructors who want to improve their skills and safety. Catherine produces her own videos that make aerodynamic principles clear and interesting.
Catherine Cavagnaro writes the Flying Smart column for AOPA Pilot Magazine, teaches spins and aerobatics, and serves as a designated examiner in Tennessee in addition to her full-time position as a Professor of Mathematics. Catherine was inducted into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame in 2022 and was named the 2020 National Flight Instructor of the Year.
In 2018, Catherine was named the National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year and was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.
Karen is the NAFI Board Chair, a Designated Pilot Examiner, three-time NAFI Master Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, IGI, FAA Gold Seal Instructor and FAASTeam Lead Representative. She teaches in a range of aircraft and enjoys flying her own RV6.
Karen is a Major in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), serves as a member of the WINGS Industry Network, contributes to the FAA Surface Safety Group, is an FAA Safety Team Lead Representative, and is active in several other aviation organizations. Karen is the 2019 National FAASTeam Representative of the year.
She became active in aviation after success as a senior VP in the banking sector, as a graduate school professor, and as President of her own international consulting business.
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