John King confirmed to Flying a personal issue that has been rumored for many months: the FAA has denied the well-known aviation educator’s medical certificate, leaving him unable to act as co-captain aboard the Dassault Falcon 10 he and his wife, Martha, fly. John King is, of course, half of the legendary John and Martha King duo who founded the King Schools, known for online and video education courses responsible for thousands of pilots successfully navigating the FAA’s pilot knowledge exams (the couple also write a regular column for Flying).
John King Vows Battle with the FAA to Reinstate His Medical Certificate
Key Takeaways:
- John King, co-founder of King Schools, has been denied his FAA medical certificate since 2015 due to a single seizure he experienced in early 2014.
- Despite extensive medical evaluations, expert opinions confirming his current health, and significant financial investment in appeals, the FAA has consistently denied reissuance.
- The FAA's panel of experts is split on whether King's seizure was "provoked," and the agency has not responded to proposed solutions like special waivers or second-in-command restrictions.
- King plans to appeal the FAA's decision to an administrative law judge at the NTSB, criticizing the agency's harsh and bureaucratic approach to medical denials.
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