​FLYING Contributor Max Trescott Joins Flight Instructor Hall of Fame

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has inducted Max Trescott, host of the popular Aviation News Talk podcast and regular FLYING Magazine contributor since 2024, into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.

Trescott, who has 50 years of flying experience, four airline transport pilot (ATP) certificates, 11,500 hours of dual instruction, and in 2008 earned National Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) of the Year, was announced as the 2026 Hall of Fame honoree at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July. He was officially inducted earlier in August.

“I feel that I’m accepting [the honor] on behalf of the thousands of other CFIs who are dedicated to their craft and working tirelessly every day to help people fulfill their aviation dreams,“ Trescott told FLYING. “I’ve met many CFIs who are incredibly accomplished and equally deserving of this recognition.“

Brian Wynne, president and executive director of NAFI, in a statement said Trescott is a “perfect example of the professionalism and dedication the Hall of Fame was created to recognize.”

Trescott passed his CFI on September 10, 2001, the day before the deadliest incident in aviation history. He described himself as an “accidental CFI.“

“I’d never planned on becoming one until a friend, Tim Johnson, said to me ’I’m getting my CFI this summer, you should too,’“ he said. “I’m grateful to him for that gentle nudge, as teaching flying and helping others achieve their objectives while staying safe is very satisfying. These days, whenever I encounter someone who I feel would be a good teacher, I always encourage them to become a CFI.“

Trescott is known for his mastery of Cirrus aircraft, with nearly half of his instructional hours on the manufacturer’s airframes. He holds type ratings for the Cirrus Platinum CSIP and SF50, as well as the Embraer Phenom 100, plus a commercial pilot certification for helicopters. His ATP certifications cover each fixed-wing aircraft category and class.

Trescott is also recognized for his expertise on Garmin avionics, and his G1000 Glass Cockpit Handbook is considered required reading in many CFI circles. He later published a guide on G3000 and G5000 avionics and has written many other handbooks as president of Glass Cockpit Publishing.

Trescott has completed National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) training for accident investigation.

“Flight instruction is often given short shrift, yet it’s the backbone of our entire industry,” he said. “I hope my induction brings some attention to this important work and motivates a few other people to become CFIs and contribute to aviation.“

Beyond flight instruction, Trescott built a career as an educator, author, and media host. He covers general aviation and safety on Aviation News Talk, which frequently ranks among the top industry podcasts on streaming services and is known for a no-nonsense style. He co-hosts the NTSB News Talk podcast.

Amazingly, all of that came after Trescott’s 25 years as an engineer for Hewlett-Packard. He was a consultant at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California from late 2012 to mid-2015.

“Combining his technical expertise with a passion for teaching, he has made a lasting contribution to general aviation education and safety,” NAFI said.