The First Step: Ground School
Ground school is often the first step to earning your wings. The purpose of ground school is to help you prepare for the required FAA knowledge test and provide a foundation to become a competent aviator.
Private Pilot Ground School: You will learn A LOT!
Topics include: airplane structure and controls, engine and related systems, flight instruments, flight dynamics, flight environment, airports, aeronautical charts, airspace, radio communications and flight information, weather theory, interpreting weather products, federal aviation regulations, calculating aircraft performance, aircraft weight and balance, E6B flight computations, pilotage and dead reckoning navigation, radio navigation, cross-country flight planning, and human factors.
Course Cost & Registration
- Private Pilot Ground School $ 450.00
- Training Kit $ 285.00
Registration closes 2 weeks prior to start of class to ensure space and training materials are available. A $250 deposit is due two weeks prior to class start date, with final payment due on first day of class. Visa, Mastercard or AMEX accepted.
Schedule for 2026
Private pilot ground school is offered 5-6 times a year (see current class dates in the ‘Choose Course’ dropdown below).
We currently have 2 types of private pilot ground school.
Private Pilot Ground School is typically held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6 – 9 PM. Class days may change with holidays.
Expedited Private Pilot Ground School is held Monday – Thursday from 6 – 9 PM. This class will run regardless of holidays.
All ground schools are held at the JBER Aero Club facility (located here).