We’re beyond excited to have Tom Clements back at the Gathering this year in Phoenix! After wrapping up his final column in King Air Magazine this December, Tom’s officially starting a new chapter—and lucky for us, he’s bringing his unmatched King Air expertise along for the ride. With a legacy like his, it’s no wonder the King Air community is what it is today.
If you haven’t read the December issue of King Air Magazine, stop what you’re doing and check it out. Seriously. Tom’s story is the kind of inspiration that reminds us why this community thrives. And if you’re still debating whether to attend the Gathering (or sponsor it), let me make it easy: DO IT. Sure, the booths and ad visibility are nice, but the real gold? The people you’ll meet, the conversations you’ll have, and the ideas you’ll leave with. It’s the kind of stuff that sparks growth—and growth means new opportunities.
To quote Tom from Volume I: “To my hundreds of students, who taught me as I taught them.” That line pretty much sums up his career—and the impact he continues to have. As he passes the torch to Zach Cleaver, Pete Marx, and Kevin Carson at the King Air Academy, he leaves behind a legacy as iconic as the academy's motto: “We will teach you to fly any aircraft as long as it is a King Air.”
The King Air Gathering isn’t just an event—it’s a full-blown celebration of passion, connections, and endless possibilities. We can’t wait to see what magic unfolds this year. Let’s make it unforgettable—again!