2026 NAFI And King Schools Award Goes To Thomas Sando Of Williston, N.D. Thomas M. Sando of Williston, N.D., has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and King Schools Scholarship. Sando is honored at SUN ‘n FUN. (photo left to right – Barry Knuttila, Karen Kalishek, Thomas Sando, John King, Martha King, Brian Wynne, Bob Meder. The scholarship supports a NAFI member flight instructor seeking to further their professional development and make a meaningful impact on the aviation community. The scholarship provides $5,000 cash to support a pilot pursuing their initial flight instructor (CFI) certificate, or any add-on rating, along with lifetime access to the entire library of King Schools’ training courses and biennial Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (FIRCS), a value of over $20,000.
