THE History Of MRFTI
Before we got started…
The founder and owner of MRFTI, Tim Epperhart, started flying as a hobby in 1994 in Cincinnati, never dreaming it would turn into a career. In 2001, he completed his Tailwheel Endorsement, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, and his initial CFI certificate. He started teaching part time with Pro Aero at Butler County Regional Airport (KHAO) and remained there when Empower Aviation purchased the school in 2007.
During his time at BCRA, he added his Instrument Instructor Rating, Multi-Engine Rating and Multi-Engine instructor ratings. In early 2008, he was promoted to Flight School Coordinator, and eventually was given the Chief Instructor position later that year.
When we got started…
In February 2010, Tim accepted the opportunity to purchase the Empower Aviation’s school assets after it had moved up to Middletown Regional Airport (KMWO).
When asked how he felt after the purchase, he stated, "I've been given a great opportunity. We are located on a great airport. I have a great staff and we have a great program that can help people achieve their dreams of flying. I have been given a number of breaks and lots of help from my friends over the years to get me here. I haven't forgotten it. This is my chance to pay some of that forward."
He named the new school Middletown Regional Flight Training Institute (Hence, MRFTI). The locals at the airport simply referred to it as "Merf-tee," a nickname that stuck.
Where we are now…
Tim was soon joined by his two sons (one a CFI and the other an A&P/I.A), and the company is still going strong. We are proud of our many years of seeing students achieve their dreams and hope to continue serving the aviation community for many more years to come.
Feel the thrill of acceleration, the calm of cruising, and the focus of landing. Your training is more than lessons - it's a pathway to the freedom of flight. Embrace the challenge, trust the process, and soar to new heights at MRFTI!