“Ground School” is a term used in the aviation industry to indicate the necessary training that takes place in a classroom, as opposed to in the cockpit of an airplane. Ground school courses provide the theoretical introduction to aerodynamics, engines and systems, weather, navigation, and many other subjects. The Club offers ground school courses for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. Club ground school courses are taught in our air-conditioned classroom overlooking the approach end of Runway 3 and the Sanford airport.
While we make sure that all students are prepared to successfully pass the FAA knowledge test, we are committed to the notion that all of our students should be thoroughly grounded in theory and practical understanding. Consequently our ground schools are far more thorough and interactive than what is typically found in the industry. We pride ourselves on top-notch instruction from experienced instructors and allow for plenty of time for questions and interactions with fellow students in the class in addition to “hands on” experience with airplanes in our maintenance hangar. … And we always are sure to make our classes fun and enjoyable for all!
All are welcome to attend our ground schools! You do not have to be a Club member. Preregistration is not required for the Private Pilot and Instrument Rating classes. Just show up at the Club on the night of the first class to join in. (For the Commercial Pilot course, you must register in advance. Call Sue Davis at the Club (select 3) to get more information and to register.)
Formal Registration for a Course.
For the Private and Instrument ground schools you may simply attend with out registration for the first two classes. If you decide after attending the first two classes that you would like to continue to complete the full course, you will need to register and pay the tuition before the third class. The registration form will be provided. The first two classes will be free of charge and are presented to allow prospective students to experience what the course will be like going forward. If you decide to continue for the entire course, registration, course tuition, and obtaining the books and supplies necessary for the course must be accomplished before the third class. (For the Commercial Course you must pre-register. Call Sue Davis at the Club (select 3) to get more information and to register.)
Click below to get more information about each course.
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Ground School Schedule
All are welcome to take our ground schools!
2023 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
August 23 through December 13 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)*
2023 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
Dates TBA.
2024 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 3 through April 17 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)*
2024 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 22 through April 8 (Mondays 7-10pm)*
2024 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 13 through July 15 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)*
2024 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
August 21 through December 11 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)*
2024 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 9 through November 25 (Mondays 7-10pm)*
*No class if falling on MLK Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving holidays.