Another way for the instructor to advocate safety is to partner with the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam). The FAASTeam is dedicated  to improving the aviation safety record by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education. More  information is available at FAASafety.gov.  A flight instructor needs to be thoroughly familiar with the functions, characteristics, and proper use of all flight instruments,  avionics, and other aircraft systems being used for training. This is especially important due to the wide variety in global positioning  systems (GPS) and glass panel displays.  Each flight instructor should maintain familiarity with current pilot training techniques and certification requirements. Frequent  review of new periodicals and technical publications, personal contacts with FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners (DPE),  and participation in pilot and flight instructor clinics such as the FAASTeam/SAFE quarterly series of Flight Instructor Open Forums  facilitate awareness of current requirements. Additional information can be obtained from veteran flight instructors.  [Figure 8-6]  The  continued use of outmoded instructional procedures or the preparation of learners using obsolete certification requirements usually  involves rationalization.  The aviation instructor is the central figure in aviation training and bears responsib i lity for all phases of required training.  The instructor, either pilot or aircraft maintenance technician, needs to be a professional. As professionals, aviation instructors  strive to maintain the highest level of knowledge, training, and currency in the field of aviation. To achieve this goal,  instructors need to commit themselves to continuous, lifelong learning and professional development through study, service,  and membership in professional organizations such as the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), the National  Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and Professional Aviation Mechanics Association (PAMA). Professionals build a library  of resources that keeps them informed of the most current procedures, publications, and educational opportunities. Being a  professional also means behaving in a professional manner.  [Figure 8-7]  An aviation instructor should strive to practice the  characteristics on the Instructor Do’s list when teaching a learner.  Professionalism  Figure 8-6.  Teaching tips from veteran flight instructors.  8-7  Flight Instructor Qualifications 