King Schools announced at the 2022 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo that it is now offering a “concierge” service to assist flight schools with new training initiatives. The service is designed for flight schools developing FAA-approved Part 141 training programs and is available to the schools at no cost. According to the company, the King Schools Concierge Service is only the first phase of the program.
“If your school is looking to gain or expand part 141 approval, we can help with free personalized assistance provided by one of our training experts,” said Brian Hough, King Schools senior vice president of sales and business development. “Our courses and syllabi have been reviewed by the FAA and meet the requirements of part 141. An FAA letter coupled with our expertise can have you up and running in little time.”
King Schools also launched its new Fundamentals of Instruction Ground School and Test Prep course at the show. Geared toward preparing students for the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test, the four-hour course offers online and offline access on mobile device, practice exams, a flash card app and tools to assess test readiness. It is priced at $199 for lifetime access.
“This course is a series of brief segments, each lasting just a few minutes and followed by a short multiple-choice quiz,” said Barry Knuttila, King Schools CEO and Fundamentals of Instruction Ground School and Test Prep course instructor. “A viewer can pause, stop, and resume at any time. They can double back, and review material previously covered. I’m hoping that after taking this course the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook will be easier to understand and navigate.”
With their vast experience, the Kings chose wisely in making the Fundamentals of Instruction the first in a series of videos. The FOI is a “soft” subject–given the wide range of subjects and techniques (contrast that with “Hard” topics, like short field takeoffs and landings, with specific speeds and techniques). AS a “soft” topic, there are multiple ways to present the material, MOST of them acceptable–but subject to various interpretations by FAA and DPE examiners–instructors–and applicants. Is it any wonder that the CFI ratings are the most-failed ratings?
Having the Kings present this initial offering is a real help to the industry. I’ve done several 141 schools–and the CFI is the most difficult. Even on a Part 61 school, I would suggest having the applicant use the video–if an examiner disagrees with your answers, you can reference the King video presentations. In doing so, you’ve not only told the examiner that you KNOW YOUR SOURCES–but that you CARE ENOUGH about providing good instruction that you purchased the video.
Serious question….Isn’t the big guy in the picture on the right the actor that played the casino boss in the Rock’s version of Walking Tall?
Brian Hough sure looks like Neal McDonough.
I would readily recommend the King Schools study methods. As a CFI I often reviewed their courses in preparations for ground or flight lessons. I met John and Martha several times as they frequently flew at my home airport, KTRM. On occasions, I would bring my students to watch them while videoing their take offs and landings lessons, then go to them for autographs. Always kind.