The association presented the awards to John Niehaus and Dr. Victor Vogel, as well as Flight Instructor Hall of Fame inductee Mary Latimer, at its member breakfast on July 23.
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has honored several top instructors with its annual Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award and Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award, as well as the 2025 Flight Instructor Hall of Fame honoree, presented at NAFI’s member breakfast at the EAA’s AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on July 23.
Jack J. Eggspuelher Service Award to Niehaus
NAFI is proud to present the 2025 Jack J. Eggspuehler Service Award to John Niehaus.
Eggspeuhler was one of the founders of NAFI, serving as its president for more than 30 years. The award in his name is the association’s highest honor, bestowed by the board of directors. Each year, the recognition highlights the member, industry leader, and/or organization that have performed outstanding service to NAFI for the benefit of its members.
Longtime flight instructor John Niehaus served in many roles during his 14 years with NAFI. He launched and maintained a number of well-received programs for the association and was the “face of NAFI” to many members. Following his departure from the NAFI team, he has been flying Gulfstream G600s for the Whirlpool Corporation.
NAFI President Paul Preidecker said, “John is a fitting and well-deserved recipient of this award. He always put the members first and created many paths for success at NAFI. I am very proud of John.”
Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award to Vogel
NAFI is pleased to recognize Dr. Victor Vogel as the 2025 recipient of the Greg J. Laslo Excellence in Writing Award.
Greg Laslo served as NAFI’s editor from 2000 to 2011. This award, named in his honor, was created by the NAFI board after his retirement. It is presented to those individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to NAFI publications.
Victor Vogel is both a respected physician and seasoned flight instructor. This dual perspective brings a rare and invaluable insight to the flight instructor profession.
Through his thoughtful and articulate contributions to Mentor magazine, eMentor newsletter, and letters to the editor, Vogel has addressed some of the most important—and often most sensitive—topics in aviation: pilot medical fitness, mental health, aging, and how these factors impact safety in the cockpit.
A passionate advocate for aviation safety, Vogel consistently emphasizes the importance of preparedness, sound decision-making, and continuous learning. He is a strong proponent of flight simulator training as an essential tool for developing pilot judgment and refining technical skills.
NAFI Director of Publications and Editor Beth Stanton commented on Vogel’s contributions to its publication. “Victor’s writing does more than share knowledge—it strengthens the flight instruction community,” Stanton said. “He invites readers to consider the full spectrum of what it means to be a safe, capable, and responsible pilot, especially as we navigate the physical and cognitive demands of aging. His work equips instructors to better support their students, fosters greater awareness around pilot wellness, and ultimately contributes to safer skies.”
NAFI extends sincere congratulations and deepest appreciation to Vogel for his outstanding contributions to aviation writing and education through NAFI publications. His ongoing contributions continue to make a lasting impact on flight instruction and aviation safety.
Flight Instructor Hall of Fame Inducts Latimer
The Flight Instructor Hall of Fame in 2025 inducted Mary Latimer, a flight instructor and educator from Texas. The Hall of Fame recognizes each year instructors who demonstrate significant contributions to professionalism in the aviation training industry and improvement of pilot technique to further reduce the accident rate in general aviation. Latimer was honored at the NAFI breakfast in Oshkosh as well.
Latimer first soloed in 1972, and had her commercial, CFI, and A&P certificates. She has been an IA since 1977 and an ATP since 1981. She also served as an air traffic controller at Lawton, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth Meacham from 1976 to 2002. Latimer was a designated pilot examiner, conducting at least 600 check rides between 2009 and 2017.
Preidecker said at the breakfast, “Mary has made a life of being immersed in aviation. I would say one of the most important things Mary has done is in 2011 she started the GIFT (Girls in Flight Training) Academy to promote aviation to women in aviation to show support and to encourage participation.”
In receiving the honor, Latimer reflected on her inspiration. “When I was in high school a number of decades ago, our alma mater had one line that said, “Send my sons and daughters to stand beside immortals.” And I feel like maybe a small part of me has achieved that. I am standing beside immortals as I hold this Hall of Fame trophy, and 60 years ago those words were impossible to imagine.”
