Martha King: The Grand Dame of Aviation Ground Schools

Meg Godlewski

Friday, March 04, 2022 at 10:25 AM ET

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Martha King has been teaching people to fly for more than 40 years. [Courtesy: Martha King]

Key Takeaways:

Martha King is a pioneering figure in aviation education, co-founding King Schools Inc. with her husband, John, to create one of the most utilized online ground schools globally, educating an estimated half of the pilots in the U.S.
Initially pursuing other interests, King discovered her passion for aviation and, alongside her husband, achieved every category and class of FAA rating on their pilot and instructor certificates—a unique accomplishment for a couple.
She has received numerous accolades, including being honored as one of the 100 distinguished aviation heroes and one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Aviation, for her significant contributions to the industry.
King advocates for making aviation education fun and practical, emphasizing the benefits of learning for safer and more enjoyable real-life flying, rather than just passing tests.

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Editor’s Note: This article is part of a month-long series to mark Women’s History Month: March 1: Pioneers of Women’s Aviation | March 2: Carole Hopson | March 4: Martha King | March 8: Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance | March 11: The Air Race Classic | March 15: Sisters of the Skies | March 18: Women in Aviation Conference | March 22: Women In Aviation: The Numbers | March 22: The first graduating class of Air Force female pilots. | March 25: Bonny Simi of Joby Aviation | March 29: Top Female Difference Makers in Aviation

It has been said that just about every pilot who holds at least an instrument rating has spent some time with Martha King. She is, after all, one-half of the most famous flight instructor team on the planet. She and her husband, John, are the co-creators of King Schools Inc., one of the most utilized online ground schools in the world.