February 2008- It's been a busy year! Greg has shouldered several new responsibilities in the aerobatic world...

• appointed FAASTeam representative by the FAA.
• appointed by ICAS to serve on the A.C.E. committee ( 2 year term) starting January 2008
• accepted a position as a contributing editor for World Airshow News. His monthly column will be tentatively called “From the A.C.E.”

And coming up in March 2008, you'll be reading the cover story of World Airshow News about editor Jeff Parnau
taking Greg's Basic Aerobatic Course.

November 2007- The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) take pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of Gregory B Koontz, owner of Greg Koontz Airshows and a resident of Ashville, Alabama.  Recently, Greg was designated a Master CFI-Aerobatic by NAFI and IAC.

To help put this achievement in its proper perspective, there are approximately 91,000 CFIs in the United States.  Fewer than 600 of them have achieved that distinction thus far.  The last twelve national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while Greg is one of only 11 Alabama aviation educators to earn this prestigious "Master" title and one of only 14 nationwide to earn aerobatic accreditation.  In the words of FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The flight instructor is where the rubber meets the runway.  The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."    

The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA that is earned by candidates through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review.  Much like a flight instructor's certificate, it must be renewed biennially.  This process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism.  Simply put, the Master Instructor designation is a means by which to identify those outstanding aviation educators, those "Teachers of Flight," who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth, and service to the aviation community.  

Earning this designation is tantamount to having the words summa cum laude emblazoned on an instructor's certificate.  These Masters truly represent the crème de la crème of our industry!  To publicly recognize these individuals and their noteworthy accomplishments, NAFI will be hosting its "Meet the Masters" breakfasts, to which Greg will be invited, during EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland.  Any support that can be provided will be appreciated. 

NAFI is dedicated to providing support and recognition for America's aviation educators while helping them raise and maintain their level of professionalism.  It is also committed to providing a safe and effective learning environment for student pilots.  The Association was founded in 1967 and affiliated with EAA in 1995.

Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or NAFIMasters@aol.com   Additional information is available at http://www.NAFIMasters.org/ and http://www.NAFInet.org

October 2007- Sky Country Lodge Annual Open House held Saturday, October 27. Forty-one aircraft plus lots of cars found a parking spot on the Sky Country grounds. Great flying, great barbecue and a great time were had by all!

October 2006- Sky Country Lodge Annual Open House set for Saturday, October 14, in conjunction with the Slasham Valley Flyers model airplane club airshow- right overhead! Fly in or drive in, have lunch and visit beautiful Sky Country Lodge, home of Greg Koontz Aerobatics. Open House begins at 10 a.m.. Airshow at 12:30 will feature skydiver Sandy Carruth. For flying/driving directions and landing agreement, click here for the Sky Country Lodge website.

Summer 2006- New sponsor lineup- American Champion Aircraft, Electronics International, PS Engineering, Hooker Harness, Oregon Aero, MT Propellers, PPG Industries, David Clark Company, Para Phernalia, Aero Cosmetics, Champion Aerospace, and Custom Aircraft Works of Sylacauga, AL

May 2006- Koontz gets new new Decathlon from American Champion; Cub act gets new truck & trailer, adds new crew members, complete with shotgun-totin' grandpa, is re-named The Alabama Boys--and is funnier than ever.

October 12, 2004- Aerobatic headquarters move complete. Lodging for aerobatic students is now available in a bed & breakfast setting at Sky Country Lodge overlooking the grass runway. Flight instruction and checkouts wiil be carried out here in the Super Decathlon and Piper J-3 Cub.

Summer 2004- World's Smallest Airport platform completed in Ashville, AL.

December 4, 2003- Koontz adds Cub. Cub comedy returns this airshow season with everyone’s favorite truck farmer, Clem Cleaver. Performed by Greg Koontz in over 200 shows since 1974, the bumbling, wannabe pilot from East Podunk, Alabama joins the 2004 circuit flying a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub.

Now available in the Southeast, this traditional Cub comedy act starring the overalled rural character features plenty of crowd pleasing, zany aerial stunts—the perfect comedy relief break for any show.

In addition, Koontz is considering a revival of the “World’s Smallest Airport” truck-top landing act he performed during his early airshow days. Interested event producers and aircraft acquisition managers should contact Greg as soon as possible.

New aerobatic headquarters nears completion. In early 2004, Greg Koontz Airshows will relocate to Ashville, Alabama. The new facility includes a hangar, on-site shop, grass strip and aerobatic box. The hangar has been completed and construction will begin on the family home this spring.

June 15, 2003- American Champion Aircraft Corporation has asked Greg Koontz to represent their line of Sport and Aerobatic aircraft on the air show circuit across the USA and Latin America. Greg will be using a new 2003 edition of the popular Super Decathlon. Delivered in May of this year, the new aircraft is a special edition featuring a one-of-a-kind paint scheme and the latest refinements to the type including the new MT propeller. Garmin International has outfitted the Koontz aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics.