TIMES TUBAN, LOS ANGELES – Indonesia marks a significant milestone in global aviation with Capt. Dr. Gema Merdeka Goeyardi, ATP, officially earning the prestigious Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) title from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). This recognition makes him the first Indonesian—and one of very few worldwide—to receive this elite designation.

“This award is not just for me,” Capt. Gema said in his statement received on Tuesday (11/25/2025). “It belongs to Indonesia, and to every aspiring pilot who believes that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere in the world.”

“This award is not just for me,” Capt. Gema said in his statement received on Tuesday (Nov 25, 2025). “It is a source of pride for Indonesia and for every young pilot who believes that dedication can take you to the world stage.”

Capt. Dr. Gema Merdeka Goeyardi, ATP. (Photo: Gema Goeyardi’s Documentation for TIMES Indonesia)

Advancing Global Aviation Standards

Capt. Gema’s relentless dedication to aviation is reflected not only in his long list of professional credentials but also in his global contributions to flight training. Through Astro Jet, 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy, and 14DAYPILOT Type Rating, he continues to elevate safety culture and raise the standard of pilot education in the international aviation community.

The NAFI Master CFI accreditation—held by less than 1% of flight instructors worldwide—is regarded as the highest benchmark of excellence in aviation education. It recognizes mastery in instruction, leadership in safety, and meaningful contributions to flight training standards.

A Rigorous Path to Mastery

Earning the NAFI Master CFI title requires candidates to meet high-level eligibility criteria, including:

- A minimum of 1.000 hours of actual flight instruction

- Holding an FAA or ICAO flight instructor certificate for at least 24 consecutive months

- Active NAFI membership and adherence to its Code of Ethics

- Sustained moral and professional standards under FAR 61.153(c)

- Demonstrated involvement and leadership within the aviation community

- At least 480 hours of documented professional activities within the preceding 24 months

Once qualified, candidates undergo a comprehensive evaluation across four categories: instruction, education, community service, and professional activity. Each category requires documented contributions and verifiable impact.

Capt. Gema satisfied every requirement with distinction, earning recognition for both technical expertise and his broad, measurable influence on aviation safety and learning.

A Pilot, Educator, and Visionary Leader

As a multi-rated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Capt. Gema has flown diverse aircraft ranging from the Citation V Jet series to the Boeing 737, Airbus A320/A330, and Embraer 145. He also serves as an FAA Safety Team Industry Member and is an alumnus of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Accident Investigation Program (2021).

He is the founder and CEO of several international aviation organizations, including:

- 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy, LLC — the world’s leading accelerated flight school based in Van Nuys, California

- 14DAYPILOT Type Rating, LLC — an FAA Part 142 Type Rating Training Center in Orlando, Florida

-  Astro Jet, LLC — an internationally certified ferry flight operator serving clients worldwide, from piston aircraft to heavy jets

A Landmark for Indonesian Aviation

Capt. Gema’s achievement as the first Indonesian to earn both the NAFI Master CFI and FAA Gold Seal CFI titles marks a defining moment for Indonesia’s aviation development.

His success not only breaks long-standing barriers in a field dominated by Western institutions but also showcases how Indonesian talent can lead at the highest levels of global aviation.

With his Master CFI recognition, Capt. Gema has not only made history—he has reshaped the narrative of what it means to be a global leader in flight instruction and aviation entrepreneurship.  (*)