Darren Smith, CFII / MEI
About the author: Darren Smith is a seasoned, Airline Transport-rated Fixed wing & Helicopter Pilot who has flown over 50 different aircraft models. He is a Gold Seal, Certificated Flight Instructor with Seaplane, Helicopter (H), Instrument (CFII) & Multi-Engine (MEI) privileges. He holds the FAA Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor certificate (AGI/IGI). He is an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor for the Tampa FAA Flight Standards District Office and conducts Aviation Safety Programs not only in the Tampa Bay area but nationwide. Darren is designated as a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors. Less than 1/2% of the nation's instructors have earned this designation. He is one of only six instructors nationwide who holds both the Master Flight Instructor as well as Master Ground Instructor designations.