Michael Gaffney

Michael Gaffney is the Director of Aviation at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and serves on the Board of Directors for the University Aviation Association (UAA). With an industry background in aviation education, automation technology integration, and quality process management, he is a Gold Seal Master Flight and Ground Instructor, an ATP rated pilot, and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with over 4,500 flight hours in 46 aircraft types spanning over 49 years. He was recognized as the “National Flight Instructor of the Year” by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2007 and presented the 2007 “Flight Training Excellence Award” by the National Aviation Transportation Association (NATA). He has earned the industry designation of Master Certificated Flight Instructor (MCFI) every year since 2006 and was awarded Emeritus status in 2018 for lifetime aviation achievement. His articles on Technically Advanced Aircraft and aviation safety have appeared in many publications including FAA News and AOPA Flight Training magazine. His publications and articles have been used as reference by pilots all over the world.