A Career Celebrated
It was the summer of 1988, a few weeks after graduating high school, and I had decided to pursue an aviation education at the Florida Institute of Technology, the higher learning institution for pilots, nowadays shortened simply to Florida Tech. FIT, as we called the school back then, had a two-month Part 141 program to earn a private pilot’s license. It was sort of a basic training type of environment for people who wanted careers as pilots. Our routine generally consisted of ground school in the morning and flying in the afternoon and evenings. Most of us had airline aspirations–all of us just loved to fly.
I grew up in an aviation family but hadn’t focused on learning the details of flying until that point. Operating a small airplane and being comfortable in the air was second nature, but, man, those early morning classes about regulations and weather were sometimes tough to get excited about. Our small class of around 30 kids also included an older guy making a career change (he was probably 35 years old). Most of us lived on the same floor of a 9-floor dormitory. I remember clearly one night noticing that a few in our class had gathered in the old guy’s dorm room, so I checked out what they were doing. There was Martha King on TV going over Part 91 regulations in an easy-to-understand and lighthearted way that seemed really refreshing. And the graphics they used in their bulky VHS-taped presentations brought to life the stuff we had learned about in class that morning.
Now, not only could we reinforce what we learned that day, but we could also prepare to train the trainer the next day. I’m sure our ground instructor loved that we all wanted to test him every morning. Little did he know that a few of us had John and Martha explaining all the little nuances of private pilotology (new word) in excruciating and fun detail every night.
There are a few things in life that my generation has as constants that haven’t really changed much over our span of time on Earth–Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Saturday Night Live–add to that list for us pilots John and Martha King. They’ve been there the whole time, and it’s nice to know they’re still there, still innovating, still making it interesting and exciting. Still bringing a lighthearted and fun aspect to the occasional drudgery. John and Martha have no idea who I am, but I still go back to them for refreshers. This time, though, it’s via an app or online. I am glad the VHS tape is no longer with us.
“2024 marks 50 years since John and Martha began what has turned into a lifelong passion and an exceedingly successful business,” Barry Knuttila, King Schools CEO, said. “Not only have they helped millions of pilots achieve their training goals, but they also guided the company and the curriculum through countless regulatory changes and technology transformations.”
“It’s humbling to see that our little idea has turned into something so successful and enduring,” Martha King said. “We love to hear from pilots across the country and around the world who have used our courses to learn something new and pursue fulfilling aviation careers. That’s what keeps us going.”
John and Martha got their start traveling to far-flung cities and towns to conduct in-person ground school courses for aspiring private pilots. Today, King Schools is the world’s premier supplier of print, video and computer-based instructional materials covering every aspect of flight training and safety, both for written test preparation and guidance in practical flight operations. More than half of all pilots in the United States have used one or more King Schools courses as part of their aviation training.
The secret to King Schools’ longevity?
“When we paired up, we decided to be equal partners in everything we would do,” John says. “In 1974, that was probably a little unconventional or even revolutionary. But ever since then, I have been struggling to be an equal partner to Martha. When it was apparent that Martha and I were serious about each other, Martha’s father told me that Martha was the most stubborn person he had ever known. I said, “I already know that.” I didn’t take it as stubbornness but determination. I wanted to take full advantage of that, and as a result, the business has thrived. Fifty years later, our partnership is still pretty unique, and that has been the key to our success.”
King Schools has launched a year of celebration to mark the half-century milestone. The celebration will include events, appearances, and speeches, as well as special offers on King Schools courses and curricula. The website and King Schools’ social media sites will be regularly updated with details.
“In 2024, John’s sideburns are long gone, but John and Martha King are still educating pilots with insights gained during a lifetime of learning and experience, delivered in their signature style with candor and humor,” CEO Knuttila said. “We’re not letting them retire quite yet – so watch this space to see what they’ll be up to during King Schools’ next 50 years.”
Let’s all celebrate this milestone with the Kings.
A Life Celebrated
A few years ago, I took over the helm of the Pinnacle Air Network as its executive director. Pinnacle is a consortium of long-time successful FBOs, MROs, aircraft sales, and charter companies in the U.S. and Mexico. One of our member companies is MAC Air Group in Maine. Al Caruso has been MAC’s president and CEO for years (his father and uncle started the company in 1959). He is well-known in the aviation industry for not just his extensive knowledge and quick decision-making but also his thoughtful and caring approach to the people and organizations he interacts with. I was lucky to have known Al. He unexpectedly passed away in early March, a few weeks ago.
Al was born into an aviation family; his father and uncle founded Bar Harbor Airlines (BHA) in 1949 and Maine Aviation Corporation in 1959. As a teenager, he fueled and washed planes on the PWM ramp for Maine Aviation and, in summers, flew scenic flights in Bar Harbor. At 19, he became one of the youngest Captains in the nation, flying for BHA. Joining the family business full-time in 1971 as a pilot and Cessna sales representative, his responsibilities grew until he became president of Bar Harbor Airlines in 1981 and later of Northeast Express Regional Airlines. The following years have seen a career that made the Caruso name synonymous with aviation.
During this time, Al, his son Travis, and his wife Alysan developed the business, now known as MAC Air Group, into a complete service center for general aviation offering jet charters, aircraft sales, management, and maintenance, with a state-of-the-art Fixed-Base Operation at the Portland International Jetport. He had over 100 employees under his wing, most of whom he knew on a first-name basis. He valued their thoughts and treated each one with respect.
Al’s friendly, positive demeanor and patient manner were keys to his success and gave him friendships and business acquaintances across the globe. He considered himself blessed to be in an industry he loved.
He was not only CEO but, at times, supported the company as a charter pilot. He flew business leaders, celebrities and several U.S. Presidents, taking pride in flying President George H. W. Bush several times. He also flew rock bands such as Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac and Aerosmith and had a treasured collection of backstage passes. Al was type-rated in five jet types and had more than 30 internationally recognized flight records. He enjoyed flying everything from single-engine planes to jets. He was a natural pilot who was comfortable in any aircraft.
Al liked people and never met anyone he didn’t like. He was at ease with everyone, gave you his full attention and treated you as a friend. Everyone who met him quickly realized that he was a man of integrity and character. When not in the air, he was constantly on the phone, giving friends from around the world the same undivided attention. He cherished all his friendships. Above all, his family was important to Al. It was the fuel for all he did.
My friend and colleague, Randy Groom, has known Al for many years. He said of Al, “What I really liked about Al was the fact that he was an incredibly accomplished aviator and businessman, but he carried himself with humility and an open, friendly manner.”
Howard Henry, director of sales and acquisitions at Eagle Aviation in Columbia, SC, told me, “I am heartbroken. Al was one of the first guys to treat me as an equal back in my young days in aviation. He has been a mentor to me to this day. We spoke often.”
Donations in Al’s memory may be made to MAC Airways LLC for the Allyn Caruso Scholarship Fund and mailed to MAC Airways LLC, 100 Aviation Boulevard, South Portland, ME 04106. This fund will help young people in Maine who want to have an aviation career.
We’ll miss Al. Fly safe out there.
