Main menu of King Schools Flight Instructor Refresher Course

Lakeland, FL, March 30, 2012 — Today, at SUN ‘n FUN, John and Martha King of King Schools announced that they will release an online Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) by the end of April. The course follows the latest guidance from the FAA recently released as revision “G” of FAA Advisory Circular 61-83, which specifies more up-to-date topics for flight instructors and puts emphasis on effectively teaching risk management. The King Schools FIRC includes the option to have King Schools handle all of the instructor’s certificate renewal paperwork, making it unnecessary for a Flight Instructor to visit their local FSDO in order to renew their certificate.

“Solving the two major problems in general aviation, the student dropout rate and the fatality rate, requires a fundamental change in the way we teach,” said John King. “And this program is designed to give renewing flight instructors fresh insights into ways they can help their customers to both become good risk managers and long term members of the pilot community,” King continued.

“The new guidance from the FAA has allowed us to move away from having to cover the same topics that flight instructors learned as private pilots, and to delve into areas that will be interesting, relevant and sometimes provocative for flight instructors,” Martha King commented. “This new approach will be truly refreshing for flight instructors,” continued Martha. “The goal is that by giving flight instructors more insight into topics such as identifying and changing at-risk behaviors, and conducting an effective flight review, they will have more tools available to produce pilots truly ready to be pilot-in-command,’’ added John.

“FIRC options for flight instructors have not changed much in recent years,” continued John. “Renewing flight instructors now have the opportunity to try something new, and we hope they will find our alternative to be engaging, educational and fun,” concluded John.

The King Schools FIRC program has been designed to run on the iPad and on all Windows and Mac Web browsers. It will sell for $99 without CFI renewal processing or $124.95 with processing included.

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About King Schools

For over 36 years, students and pilots at all levels have enjoyed King Schools´ clear, simple and fun courses. In fact, nearly 1 out of every 2 pilots flying in the U.S. today has learned with King. The company is also a leader in on-line pilot certification and avionics training for pilots of high-performance and turbine aircraft. To find out more, please visit www.kingschools.com. or call 1-800-854-1001 (worldwide +1-858-541-2200).

Press Contact

Barry Knuttila, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Technology, King Schools
direct phone: (858) 576-6265
e-mail: bknuttila@kingschools.com

Main Menu from the King Schools Crew Resource Management Course

Lakeland, FL, March 30, 2012 — Today, at SUN ‘n FUN, John and Martha King of King Schools announced that they have released a new online Crew Resource Management Course. This course is appropriate for all pilots flying as part of a two-pilot crew and satisfies the newly published FAR 135.330, that requires CRM training for all part 135 operators.

“Flightcrews can be safer and more efficient when they are trained to work together well,” said John King.  “Many general aviation and military pilots have not had this important training, and without the training they can often work at cross purposes as a two-pilot crew,” King continued. “The net result can be an actual deterioration in situational awareness and in risk management,” Martha King commented.

“Even crews that have established SOPs and that have flown together for some time, are sure to find a few gems in this course,” continued John. “We started with the idea of what it takes to become a great crew and filled this course with practical ideas that can be put to immediate use for increasing risk management and reducing workload,’’ concluded Martha.

The King Schools CRM course has been designed to run on the iPad and on all Windows and Mac Web browsers and sells for $199.

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About King Schools

For over 36 years, students and pilots at all levels have enjoyed King Schools´ clear, simple and fun courses. In fact, nearly 1 out of every 2 pilots flying in the U.S. today has learned with King. The company is also a leader in on-line pilot certification and avionics training for pilots of high-performance and turbine aircraft. To find out more, please visit www.kingschools.com. or call 1-800-854-1001 (worldwide +1-858-541-2200).

Press Contact

Barry Knuttila, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Technology, King Schools
direct phone: (858) 576-6265
e-mail: bknuttila@kingschools.com

The Redbird Skyport, location of the soon to be opened ProFlight Academy, in San Marcos Texas.

“Solving the two major problems in general aviation, the student dropout rate and the fatality rate, requires this fundamental change in the way flight training is conducted,” said John King.  “And this program is designed to demonstrate how it will work,” King continued.

“The ProFlight Academy development laboratory will be a Cessna Pilot Center and will utilize a simulator-centric flight training curriculum that integrates knowledge and flight training, together with affordable, full-motion, visual flight simulation” Martha King commented. “By utilizing Redbird full-motion simulators with +200°, wrap-around visual systems, pilot’s will be able to practice all VFR private pilot maneuvers right in the simulator,” added Martha. “This will make the time in the airplane more efficient since the customer will be simply demonstrating what they have already learned in a practical scenario-based situation,” continued Martha. “The goal is that by using scenario-based training that makes abnormal situations realistic, we will produce pilots truly ready to be pilot-in-command,’’ added John.

“The combination of Redbird’s sophisticated flight simulation products and Cessna’s new online scenario-based training will provide a very productive and predictable experience for aspiring pilots who are managing busy schedules,” said ProFlight Academy’s General Manager, Roger Sharp. “The good news is that all the best-practices discovered will be made available to the entire flight training industry,” concluded Roger.

“We fully expect the output of the development laboratory to revolutionize the flight training industry,” concluded Martha.

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About Redbird Flight Simulations

Since its inception in 2005, it has been the goal of Redbird Flight Simulations, Inc. to change the way flight training is delivered by providing cost effective training tools to general aviation pilots and flight training operations. Considered the fastest growing flight simulator provider in the industry, Redbird develops FAA approved training devices that are versatile enough to be used in all aspects of training, IFR and VFR, at a price that fits well within the budget of all flight training operations.

Redbird´s full motion FMX and other training devices are available for demonstration at Redbird headquarters in Austin, Texas and can be seen at air-shows and conferences around the country. For more information or to schedule a personal demonstration, visit the Redbird website at www.redbirdflightsimulations.com.

About King Schools

For over 30 years, students and pilots at all levels have enjoyed King Schools´ clear, simple and fun courses. In fact, nearly 1 out of every 2 pilots flying in the U.S. today has learned with King. The company is also a leader in on-line pilot certification and avionics training for pilots of high-performance and turbine aircraft. To find out more, please visit www.kingschools.com. or call 1-800-854-1001.

Press Contact

Barry Knuttila, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Technology, King Schools
direct phone: (858) 576-6265
e-mail: bknuttila@kingschools.com

The Web-based instrument training course and updated learning management system, the Cessna Course Tracking Application, will be available through Cessna Pilot Centers later this quarter. Cessna also expects to expand the flight training system to include a commercial pilot course.

The instrument training program joins the Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course as the foundation of Cessna’s effort to make flying more accessible and to re-energize pilot training.  “The instrument pilot course provides pilots taking the next step in their development with incredible resources at their fingertips. We’ve used the latest training principles, finely honed in the Sport/Private Pilot Course, to ensure that pilots seeking an instrument rating have the best preparation possible for a lifetime of enjoyable cross-country flying,” said Julie Filucci, manager, Cessna Pilot Centers. “We’ve designed our new online Cessna Flight Training System to provide training anytime and anywhere on the customer’s schedule while giving the flight instructor maximum flexibility to adapt the training to the customer’s needs. In the hands of our Cessna Pilot Center network, it has become the training standard of the future.”

Customers pursuing their instrument rating have access to in-depth knowledge sessions and in-the-cockpit flight previews featuring the Cessna 172S with the Garmin G1000. The Web-based system keeps track of every aspect of their training and they can access training materials from any location where they have access to the Internet. And since it is Web-based, changes and updates can be made to the course readily, with no replacement materials to distribute.

The Cessna Instrument Pilot Course Kit comes with a host of additional materials, including a folding kneeboard and view-limiting device to assist pilots with their training.

Cessna Pilot Centers are flight training affiliates that use Cessna’s proprietary training curriculum and Cessna aircraft. There are more than 260 in the United States and around the world, offering customers an array of services including flight training.

For more information, go to Cessna.com. Follow Cessna on Twitter at twitter.com/fly_cessna and be a Facebook fan here.

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About Cessna Aircraft Company

Based on unit sales, Cessna Aircraft Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes. In 2008, Cessna delivered 1,301 aircraft, including 467 Citation business jets, and reported revenues of about $5.662 billion. Since the company was originally established in 1927, some 192,000 Cessna airplanes have been delivered around the world, including more than 5,700 Citations, making it the largest fleet of business jets in the world. More information about Cessna Aircraft Company is available at www.cessna.com.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Press Contact

Robert Stangarone
Mobile phone: +1 316 305 3738
e-mail: rstangarone@cessna.textron.com

Doug Oliver
Direct phone: +1 316 517 1927
e-mail: doliver@cessna.textron.com

Flying the Citation Mustang - Single Pilot from King Schools

Flying the Citation Mustang - Single Pilot product picture

Lakeland, FL, March 31, 2011 – Today, John and Martha King of King Schools announced the immediate availability of a new course titled “Flying the Citation Mustang–Single Pilot”. The course features a gorgeous trip from Palm Springs to Page Arizona during which John and Martha demonstrate and explain each phase of flight in the Cessna Citation Mustang.

“To a pilot with a piston-powered background like us, there is no greater thrill than transitioning to a new jet,” John King commented. “Sharing the thrill of flying the Mustang with our customers is what this course is all about. We focused on the details that would be interesting to all pilots, not just those that are planning to fly the airplane soon,” continued Martha. “Watching these videos will put you right up front with us for an actual flight in the Mustang. Along the way, you will learn both about the Mustang and about flying jets in general,” concluded John.

The course also includes bonus features describing what your experience in getting type-rated in the Mustang would be like and giving you more valuable information on the Mustang.

Flying the Citation Mustang—Single Pilot includes 54 minutes of video and is available from King Schools for $99 either from their website at www.kingschools.com or by phone at 1-800-854-1001

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Flying the Skycatcher course from King Schools

Flying the Skycatcher course main menu

Flying the Skycatcher course DVD

Lakeland, FL, March 31, 2011 – Today, John and Martha King of King Schools announced the immediate availability of a new course titled “Flying the Cessna Skycatcher”. The course demonstrates all the basic maneuvers in the Skycatcher and is designed for pilots transitioning to the Cessna Skycatcher or for those just interested in knowing what flying the Cessna Skycatcher would be like. It is the exclusive transition course used by Cessna Pilot Centers worldwide.

“The Skycatcher is an absolute delight to fly. With a low panel, large windows in the doors, and struts that are behind the pilot and passenger, the visibility is fabulous,” Martha King commented. “And because it is a Cessna, the handling is a delight,” continued John. “If you are already a pilot, you’ll find this course gives you just what you need—from using the amazing Garmin G300 to understanding how to best fly this very capable little airplane,” concluded Martha.

Flying the Cessna Skycatcher includes over 3 hours of video and is available from King Schools for $149 either from their website at www.kingschools.com or by phone at 1-800-854-1001. For more information on the Cessna Skycatcher visit www.cessna.com/single-engine/skycatcher.html

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Lakeland, FL, March 31, 2011 – Today, at Sun ‘n Fun, John and Martha King of King Schools announced that Rodney Mullinax of Texico, Illinois is the winner of their 35th Anniversary Sweepstakes. Rodney takes home a package of prizes that includes an Alaskan seaplane flying vacation.

John points out the prizes Randy Mullinax has won in the King Schools' 35th Anniversary Sweepstakes

Rodney and his wife Jena, a student pilot herself, will travel on an all-expenses paid trip to Alaska Floats and Skis in Talkeetna where Rodney will earn his Seaplane Rating and also take a bush flying course. He will also receive a Redbird TD simulator, plus a KING Get-It-All Kit.

Randy Mullinax and wife Jena presented with King Schools' 35th Anniversary Sweepstakes by John and Martha King

“We can’t imagine a better winner. Rodney is a passionate pilot, airplane owner and CFI and he loves learning new things about flying,” John King commented. “The course that he took that qualified him to win the sweepstakes was our High Altitude Endorsement Ground Training Course. When I asked him if he was planning on flying at high altitude soon, he said ‘No, I just like learning about this stuff’,’’ continued John. “Fulfilling his dream of earning his seaplane rating will be an over-the-top thrill for him … and Jana will be able to accelerate her training to be a pilot with a King Private Pilot Get-It-All Kit,” added Martha. “The Redbird TD simulator will really keep this flying family’s pilot skills sharp,” concluded John.

“King Schools has helped me succeed as a pilot from Private through CFI, and beyond,” noted Rodney, “and winning the sweepstakes is a dream come true.” “It is a huge pleasure to help this flying couple get even more fun out of their flying,” said Martha.

For more information, visit www.kingschools.com/sweepstakes.

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The recorded version of this live interview has been moved.  You can view it on AOPA’s website here.

On Monday, November 8, the Kings, accompanied by AOPA President and CEO Craig L. Fuller, returned to Santa Barbara to meet with Mayor Helene Schneider and the city administrator, chief of police and airport director, determined to make some good come from the incident. At the meeting, the Kings presented guidelines they developed in conjunction with several law enforcement authorities to help police who are called on to make a stop involving general aviation aircraft. City Administrator James Armstrong, Chief of Police Camerino Sanchez, and Airport Director Karen Ramsdell said the guidelines would be useful since the only analogous protocol their officers had previously was a high-risk traffic stop.

“You know, I suppose we could have stayed upset,” said John King, “but we’ve spent our entire professional lives examining potentially dangerous aviation situations and looking for ways to manage the inherent risks.”

“When police officers are faced with an unknown situation, they have to assume it’s dangerous and prepare for the worst,” added Martha. “We hope that these guidelines will give officers a better idea of what to expect when dealing with general aviation.”

“It was heartening to be part of a meeting at which both sides seemed determined to take positive lessons from the incident,” said Fuller. “Mayor Schneider and Police Chief Sanchez appeared genuinely pleased that the Kings had taken the time to develop guidelines to help officers manage an admittedly unusual situation – an on-airport ‘traffic stop’ involving a GA aircraft.”

The guidelines are drafted to be applicable in any jurisdiction, so AOPA plans to make them available to the volunteers of the Airport Support Network, and suggest the volunteers share the guidelines with their local police departments.

“While these guidelines are written for law enforcement, it’s important for pilots to do what they can as well to defuse tense situations,” concluded Fuller. “As John and Martha constantly remind us in their courses, we need to recognize and manage risk.”

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“RNAV-1 and -2” online pilot course

FAA regulations for commercial operators require specific pilot training before they can fly RNAV-1 and RNAV-2 departures, routes and arrivals in the United States. Part 91 operators are required to be familiar with the procedures.

“This course provides all the general information required by AC 90-100A for pilot training and authorization for commercial operators, and is valuable to anyone planning to fly RNAV routes in the United States.”, said John King, Co-Chairman of King Schools.

“Delivering these courses over the Internet allows flight crews and individuals to access the training while on the road. All you need is a computer connected to the Internet”, added Martha King, also Co-Chairman of King Schools.

In addition King Schools also announced that they have updated their Icing Operations course with the latest information from the FAA regarding approved anti-icing fluid.

The RNAV-1 and -2 course is $199 and the Icing Operations course is $249. Each course provides a logbook endorsement upon completion that states the regulations satisfied.

To enroll in one of these courses or to view the full list of King Schools online courses, visit www.kingschoolsonline.com .

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