Ken Wittekiend, Jr.

Ken Wittekiend is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, professional instrument flight instructor, aircraft owner and founder of ProMark Aviation Services, a flight training company based in Burnet, Texas.

Ken is a commercial pilot with over 11,000 hours of experience in a wide variety of general aviation aircraft. He began flying in 1970 while attending the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, Ken purchased a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub with no brakes and no electrical system. In fact, this was the airplane he soloed in. By 1974, Ken had added a Certified Flight Instructor certificate and instrument rating. A series of flying jobs followed including Part 135 Air Charter, banner towing, air hearse and air ambulance work, along with a steady schedule of flight instructing.

After a move to Houston, and a career in retail marketing and advertising, Ken joined his wife Judy’s successful retail service company. In 1995, Ken purchased a 1976 Beechcraft Bonanza. During the next 10 years they flew the bonanza from coast to coast and from Mexico to Canada for both business and pleasure.

Ken gradually came to recognize that that many pilots do not have an easy or effective way to gain the additional knowledge and training necessary to fly safely and confidently especially when operating single pilot IFR. The need for a more effective continuing education program for pilots was becoming more evident.

In 2001, Ken returned to central Texas and began to develop an advanced training program to provide the additional knowledge and skill that pilots could use to improve aviation safety through continuing education. He established a flight training company to provide beginners and accomplished pilots a better way to learn the critical skills and knowledge necessary to fly safely and confidently. Today, Ken provides a wide range of training services, with emphasis on single pilot IFR, fundamental maneuvering skills and tailwheel training.

In October, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 Ken was selected as a Master CFI by Master Instructors, LLC. Only approximately 26 Flight Instructors in Texas have earned this recognition as one of these teaching professionals.

Ken serves as a FAASTeam representative for the Federal Aviation Administration, helping pilots by conducting seminars and counseling activities to reduce accidents and improve pilot safety practices.

Ken is a contributor to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s magazine and the Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Report.

In 2008, Ken qualified as a “Gold Seal” Certificated Flight Instructor. This is issued to instructors with a high level of activity and who meet certain criteria for ratings and certificates.

In May, 2009, Ken joined the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) www.safepilots.org as a charter member. SAFE is a member oriented organization of aviation educators which fosters professionalism and excellence in aviation through continuing education, professional standards, and industry accreditation. Ken was elected to the SAFE Board of Directors in 2014.

In early 2010, Ken and co-pilot Curt Dimmick flew over 7500 miles and 55 hours in their Beech Bonanza in support of the Haiti earthquake relief effort. For a look at this effort, please click on the link on the main menu for the Haiti relief video.
Ken is an instructor with the Bonanza Pilot Proficiency Program. BPPP provides Beechcraft specific in-depth training to owners and operators around the U.S.

In late 2010, Ken was selected as a Designated Pilot Examiner for the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office of the FAA.

In the summer of 2013, Ken flew his PA-18 Super Cub over 12,000 miles to Alaska and back. For more information and photos take a look at the entries in the ProMark Blog.

Ken was named the FAA Certified Flight Instructor of the Year for the Southwest Region in 2009 and again in 2014.

Ken is a dedicated teacher, and a staunch advocate for general aviation safety and a student of all things IFR.

Ken and his wife Judy live along with, two dogs, multiple cats and three airplanes on 7 acres under the approach to runway 01 at the Burnet Texas municipal airport (BMQ).