SALINA, Kan. -- Bernard "Barney" King, associate professor of aviation at Kansas State University Salina, recently renewed his Master Certified Flight Instructor accreditation for the sixth time. One of only 26 worldwide to earn the credential six times, he first earned this national professional accreditation in 2001 and has held it continuously since then.
King is the program lead for Kansas State University Salina's professional pilot program. A retired US Army aviator, he also served as the Civil Air Patrol's Kansas Wing commander and is currently the Wing's finance officer. He is a Society of Aviation Flight Educators member.
K-State has nine faculty members who hold the "Master" title. Holding the Master Certified Flight Instructor with King are Kurt Barnhart, professor and head of the department of aviation; William “Bill” Gross, chief pilot and professor of aviation; Thomas Karcz, associate professor of aviation; Troy Brockway, associate professor of aviation; Eric Shappee, associate professor of aviation; Lowell Hinchee, instructor of aviation; and Andrew Smith, assistant professor of aviation and the aviation maintenance training program lead. Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of avionics, is a Master Certified Instructor.
The national accreditation is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration. Fewer than 700 of the approximately 93,000 certified flight instructors in the nation have achieved the master distinction. The designation must be renewed biennially and surpasses the FAA's requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate. K-State is an elite Top 5 aviation university. Located on the Salina campus adjacent to a 12,000-foot runway, the program has a modern fleet of more than 40 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country. K-State Salina offers affordable degrees in aircraft maintenance, professional pilot, technology management and engineering technology. Certificate programs are available in air traffic control, airframe and powerplant, airport management, avionics maintenance technology and unmanned aircraft systems. More information on K-State aviation programs is available at www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation.
