Story ID: 
King Schools Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
By: Jessica Reed
Caption: John and Martha King founded King Schools in 1974
Word Count: 287
John and Martha King founded King Schools in 1974 and are celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. King Schools has been instrumental in aiding pilots to navigate through their FAA exams, adapt to regulatory changes, and embrace the advancements in aviation technology.
According to Barry Knuttila, CEO of King Schools, “Not only have [John and Martha] helped millions of pilots achieve their training goals, but they also guided the company and the curriculum through countless regulatory changes and technology transformations.”
From its inception, King Schools evolved from offering in-person ground school courses across various locations to becoming a key supplier of diverse educational materials. These resources include print, video, and computer-based instructional content, covering essential aspects of flight training and safety for both theoretical knowledge and practical flight operations.
The foundation of King Schools' enduring success lies in the partnership between its founders, John and Martha King. Opting for equal partnership from the beginning, they navigated through the challenges and opportunities of the aviation training industry together.
Over the years, the Kings transitioned from traditional teaching methods to incorporating digital technologies, moving from overhead projectors and chalkboards to online streaming of their educational content. This shift reflects their commitment to making aviation training more accessible and convenient for learners worldwide.
John and Martha King's contributions to aviation training extend beyond King Schools. They have authored books on entrepreneurship and aviation adventures, sharing insights from over 55 years of experience in the field. Their achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and induction into several aviation Halls of Fame, with John notably being the first man honored by the Women in Aviation International’s Pioneer Hall of Fame.