E178 - Barry Knuttila, King Schools President & CEO
In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn sit down with Barry Knuttila, President and CEO of King Schools. With over 3,000 hours, multiple type ratings, and a lifelong passion for aviation, Barry shares his unique journey from the tech world to leading one of aviation’s most recognized training companies. He talks about his early experiences flying with his father, the pivotal moment that led him to join King Schools, and his growth alongside mentors John and Martha King. Barry also reflects on the company’s DNA of authenticity, student-centered teaching, and adapting to industry changes. From VHS tapes to app-based flashcards, checkride preparation, and future learning tools, this conversation reveals how King Schools continues shaping pilots at every level.
Behind the Prop · Barry Knuttila, Bobby Doss, Wally Mulhearn
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Show Notes
What happens when a tech executive with a passion for flying gets the chance to combine both worlds? In this episode of Behind the Prop, hosts Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhearn welcome Barry Knuttila, President and CEO of King Schools, to explore that exact story.
Barry recounts his early flying background, how a corporate collapse unexpectedly redirected his career, and the fateful moment he reached out to John and Martha King. That outreach led to a role as CTO during King Schools’ transition to the internet era, eventually growing into leadership of the company itself. Along the way, Barry earned advanced ratings, flew Falcons with John and Martha, and became a familiar on-camera instructor.
The discussion highlights King Schools’ unique ethos—authenticity, humility, and an unwavering focus on student success. Barry explains how listening to customer feedback and treating students like friends has guided the company from the days of shipping VHS tapes to today’s mobile-friendly apps, flashcards, and integrated flight school tools.
Listeners will hear about how the flight training industry has shifted from primarily self-paced, individual learning to ab initio, career-focused programs. Barry shares how King Schools has responded by expanding its B2B offerings for universities and flight schools while continuing to serve individual learners. The conversation also covers innovations in course design, the importance of breaking training into smaller, more consumable segments, and King Schools’ efforts to reduce checkride anxiety through immersive preparation courses.
From personal reflections on flying helicopters and biplanes for fun to insights on the future of aviation training, Barry’s perspective underscores both the timeless values and forward-looking vision that continue to shape King Schools. Whether you’re a student pilot, CFI, or aviation enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for every stage of the journey.