For anyone that enjoys aviation, and any aspect of it, working for the Federal Aviation Administration could be considered a dream job. Rahdames "Nick" Villafana, an Aviation Safety Inspector and Airworthiness Instructor in the FAA’s Airworthiness Branch (AMA-250) recently set out to realize some personal aspirations.

Fortunately, Nick’s personal goals also align nicely with Agency’s. By staying focused and putting forth some good old fashioned hard work, Nick was able to meet and exceed some challenges, which have positively affected his career and his employer. "Nick is a self-starter who believes in continuous improvement. He not only desires to improve his own skills, but also to make substantive contributions to the National Aerospace System (NAS)," says Ron Gendron, Nick’s Supervisor in the Airworthiness Branch.

Here’s the progression and completion of Nick’s personal goals:

August 2019

Completion of Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) Training
After taking a four-hour test comprised of 100 computer questions, Nick passed the tests on learning about the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.97, 61.105 and 61.309. He learned the regulations about Part 61, and became a subject matter expert, providing him with credentials to deliver ground instruction for any flight school.

Completion Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) Training
This training required Nick to answer a 50 question test. Nick successfully passed a knowledge test about FARS 61.65. Upon successfully completing this instruction, Nick can now provide ground instruction while also endorsing a student to take the instrument rating knowledge test. As an IGI, he can also endorse someone to take the Instrument Rating Helicopter (IRH) knowledge test, and as an AGI he can also certify someone to take the Commercial Pilot Balloon – Hot Air (CBH) knowledge test.

Completion of Inspection Authorized (IA) to become an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
In order for Nick to obtain this rating, he was required to hold an A&P rating for a three-year period before applying for testing, and he was required to be actively engaged in aircraft maintenance during the previous two years prior to applying for the test. He was also required to have a fixed-base of operations. Having obtained this certification, Nick can now perform inspections on aircraft and be responsible for returning them to service. He can also conduct comprehensive annual inspections or can return an aircraft to service after a major repair.

December 2019

Completion of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Upon holding a Third-Class Medical Certificate with the FAA, Nick was required to pass another FAA knowledge test and then pass the FAA’s Practical Flight Test and Oral Examination. After earning this certification, Nick has the ability to now train students to fly in a single engine aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions.

February 2020

Completion of becoming a Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII)
Staying the course, Nick opted to obtain another add-on rating. This required him to have an instrument rating on his pilot certificate, pass the instrument flight instructor knowledge test, receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation required for an instrument flight instructor, and pass the practical test. This also meant that he could demonstrate proficiency in aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating. After earning this rating, Nick can now train students to get their instrument rating. He can teach students in a single engine aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions.

June 2020

Completion of becoming a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
MEI Training falls under FAA Part 61 and follows the ’train to proficiency’ rule. This means that a course will take only as long as the student needs to learn the material. Applicants must have a single engine land with instrument rating or an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Upon obtaining this rating, Nick can now train students in a multi-engine aircraft, and by also having earned a CFII, he can teach in multi IFR conditions.

Once someone like Nick has earned all of these certifications, he is able to train more students and build flight time faster.

Any of these airman certificates that Nick has achieved are a milestone, in and of themselves. For a person to obtain these certificates and ratings in less than one year is incredible. Nick’s diligence and outstanding performance in obtaining these certifications is a testament to his professionalism and perseverance. His intent now is to serve the community by teaching new pilots the required knowledge and skills to safely operate single and multi-engine aircraft in our National Airspace System.

As if his aspirations aren’t high enough, Nick also volunteers as a STEM/AVSED Outreach Representative. Volunteering what little free time he has, Nick enjoys helping young people to experience the thrill of flying. Earlier this year, Nick was a point of contact for the Minecraft Challenge, where he helped young participants design airports in a national competition. The activity involved a computer-based game that gave young participants opportunities to demonstrate their creativity and critical thinking skills.

Ron Gendron further expounds, "Nick is the consummate professional who continually leads by example. He has internalized our core values and uses his new aviation skillsets, not only to improve aviation safety, but also to serve the community."

Congratulations Nick, for being a model colleague for those working in or those who aspire to work within the aviation industry!