Aviation Education Luminaries Gather in San Diego

Aviation leaders from flight-schools and aeronautical universities converged upon San Diego in late September 2023 for the inaugural Envision Flight Edu-Con symposium.

The event provided a unique platform for aviation educators and professionals nationwide to exchange ideas, share experiences, and delve into the world of aviation teaching and training. Brian Hough, King School’s Senior VP of Business Development and Sales, and the driving force behind the event, expressed his passion for its mission, stating: “Our vision for this event was to create a unique program that not only offered exceptional educational opportunities for our flight school and university customers, but also connected vendors with an outstanding customer base.”

The event served, also, as the launching-pad for a year-long celebration of King Schools’ fifty-year anniversary.

Presenters at the symposium brought their best ideas to help flight-schools improve their operations. Brian Hough presented an innovative and timely opportunity for flight schools to use King Schools’ Cleared for Aviation Mechanics Part 147 curriculum, to extend their business and profitably solve the massive aviation mechanic shortage. The lively discussions that followed demonstrated the event’s success in fostering meaningful exchanges among attendees.

“Set against the backdrop of San Diego’s picturesque September, and coupled with the MCAS Miramar’s annual airshow, Envision Flight Edu-Con left an indelible mark on all attendees,” Brian Hough remarked. “This is just the beginning. Envision Flight Edu-Con will be a gathering point for aviation educators for years to come!” Hough concluded. Next year’s event has been scheduled for 10-11 October 2024.

Envision Flight Edu-Con took place at the Coast Air Center at Montgomery Field (MYF). It was an exclusive gathering, welcoming representatives from flight-schools, college, and university aviation departments. Distinguished speakers included King Schools Co-Chairmen John and Martha King, King Schools CEO Barry Knuttila, FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner Mary Schu, veteran aviation educator Brian Hough, Vice President of Marketing at Redbird Flight-Training Josh Harnagel, FAA Washington D.C. FSDO Manager Michael Crudden, President of 1 Step Prep, Joseph Munoz, and successful flight-school owners David and Nayda Cattin. 

Those who missed the inaugural Envision Flight Edu-Con—or harbor nostalgic predispositions—are invited to view videos of the event on YouTube.

FMI: www.kingschools.com