Ground school is the academic backbone of pilot training. The FAA Airman Knowledge Test (commonly called the written) is a 60-question computer-based exam for the Private Pilot and similar exams exist for Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and MEI. Beyond the test, ground knowledge is what you draw on during the practical test oral exam and during every flight you make as pilot in command.
How we run ground school
We support three formats. One-on-one with your CFI integrated into flight training. Small-group cohort sessions for Private and Instrument written prep. Self-paced study using Gleim or Sporty's with CFI checkpoints. [expand]
Topics covered for Private Pilot ground
Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, FAA regulations (FAR Part 91 and 61), aeronautical decision making, weather theory and weather products, airspace, navigation, weight and balance, performance, radio communication. [expand]
Topics covered for Instrument ground
IFR regulations, instrument flight rules procedures, departure and arrival procedures, approach charts, holding pattern entries, weather and weather minimums, IFR cross-country planning. [expand]
When to take the written
Most students complete the Private written before their solo or shortly after. The Instrument written is typically taken before or during the first dozen instrument lessons. The Commercial written is taken before checkride prep starts. [expand]
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do ground school at NextGen? +
How much does ground school cost? +
Where to train
Train this program at Riverside or Redlands.
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