FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUN ‘n FUN Lakeland FL April 16, 2026
One of the things both experienced and new pilots struggle with is radio communications. Pilots are concerned they might sound like an “amateur,” or simply don’t know what to say when they key the mic. A good training course can go a long way toward instilling the knowledge and confidence needed to break through “mic-fright” and come across sounding like a pro.
King Schools has just released such a course, called Pilot Communications Course. It is a complete re-shoot of their previous communications course and is updated with HD video and up-to-date real-world scenarios.
The new course was created by King Schools Video Producer Bob Marks, a CFI and retired Air Traffic Controller who handled Southern California TRACON, one of the busiest chunks of airspace in the country. Bob’s contribution based on long controller experience is paired with John and Martha King’ s video instruction to create a course that provides a unique perspective, incorporating both the experienced Pilot and experienced Controller’s points of view.
John commented, “One of our hopes is that the skills taught in this course can open up more complicated airspace to pilots who are otherwise letting ‘communications anxiety’ limit their flying.”
Bob Marks continued, “As a long-time Air Traffic Controller, I also want to ensure that pilots understand the services that ATC can provide and that we controllers are there to help in every way we can, but most important, in any urgent or emergency situation. Pilots need to know that the magic word ‘Mayday’ relieves controller constraints and empowers them to go to extraordinary measures to help save lives.”
The new King Schools Pilot Communications Course includes:
- Getting to Know ATC: specific orientation for pilots about the ATC system
- The hidden pitfalls for pilots operating in each class of airspace and how to avoid them
- What Flight Following is…and isn’t
- Examples of correct and incorrect phraseology that will improve your communications with ATC and other pilots
Martha added, “In addition to routine communication tips, this course includes a separate lesson on Pilot Communications in Emergencies. You can watch and listen to a recording of an actual emergency as a pilot receiving flight following suffers an engine failure and has to be vectored to an unfamiliar airport. It demonstrates the world of help that is just one word away.”
The course can be purchased for $59 at https://Kingchools.com/pilot-communications. The course is also included in many of the King Schools “Get it All” course kits.
###
