“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. Because of COVID courses will also be offered on Zoom.
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 first two classes. Just show up on Zoom the night of the first class to join in. The url for the Zoom invitation will be posted on the home page of this website in advance of the first class.
Formal Registration for a Course.
If you decide after attending the first two free classes on Zoom 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 easiest and quickest was to register for the course would be to come to the Club on Saturday or Sunday between the second and third class between the hours posted on the home page. You will have the opportunity ask any questions and get a tour of the Club facility if you would like. Formal registration involves filling in a short registration form and paying the tuition (check or cash) and purchasing the appropriate books and supplies. (You may buy the books and supplies anywhere you would like, but the least expensive and most convenient place would be the Club.)
Hybrid class (classroom attendance and Zoom) will have both in person and remote (Zoom) attendance until further notice. (See home page.) 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 is presented.
Click below to get more information about each course.
Email for more information!!
Ground School Schedule
All are welcome to take our ground schools!
2023 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 4 through April 19 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)
2023 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 23 through April 10 (Mondays 7-10pm)
2023 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 15 through July 13 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)*
2023 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
August 23 through December 13 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)*
2023 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 11 through November 27 (Mondays 7-10pm)*
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.