Ken,



Well, I've used the King course for private pilot on VHS tapes for my private when I got it back in 1985. I found it to be excellent back then. If they kept up the quality, I'm sure it will suffice.



Having said that, I recently aquired both the Sporty's Private Pilot and Instrument Pilot DVD courses. I have found that they are excellent, and have the added bonus of having helpful sections with Richard Collins providing Air Facts tips on numerous aspects in each. I got both of the DVD courses from Sporty's to use as both reference material for refresher (they have interactive quizes and scoring as well as a Practical Test Standards guide and syllabus outline) and for my daughter to use as she is starting on her Private Pilot training.



I can not compare the new Sportys to the King as I have not purchased, nor seen, the new King course. You should be fine with using either if my past experience with King is any indication. I happen to think that the segments with Richard Collins are well worth the use of the Sporty's material, however. As you gain experience in your flying, you'll come to value those tidbits Mr. Collins offers.



I have no experience with the Cessna kit, but I've heard that it could use a little updating to cover the newer navigation materials like GPS a bit more thoroughly. That is only by way of heresay, however.



Hope this helps!