“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 classes are taught in our air-conditioned classroom overlooking the approach end of Runway 3 and the Sanford airport.

The ground school courses offered by the Club are designed to go well beyond the FAA-mandated curriculum and include a substantial emphasis on safety and operational issues in addition to the required technical subjects. 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, just show up the night of the first class to join.

Click on the links below for more information on each of our ground schools:

• Private Pilot Ground School
• Instrument Rating Ground School
• Commercial Pilot Ground School
• Email for more information!!

COVID 19 ANNOUNCEMENT. The fall 2021 Private and Commercial classes will be conducted via ZOOM. No Pre-registration is necessary for attending the first two classes. Zoom invitations for these courses will be posted on the home page three days before the classes will start. For both courses, the first two classes will be free of charge and are presented to allow prospective students to experience what the class 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.

Books and supplies necessary for these courses may be obtained independently by the student or may purchased from the Club a wholesale pricing (at less cost than can be found on the internet.) Sue Davis, the Club accountant, can assist you and can answer other questions you may have about registration or supplies. For a listing of these books and supplies click on Documents and Forms tab and select the correct form.

Ground School Schedule

All are welcome to take our ground schools!

2021 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
August 25 through December 15 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2021 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 13 through November 29 (Mondays 7-10pm)*

 

2022 Winter/Spring Private Pilot Ground School
January 5 through April 20 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)

2022 Winter/Spring Instrument Rating Ground School
January 24 through April 11 (Mondays 7-10pm)

2022 Summer Private Pilot Ground School
May 16 through July 14 (Mondays and Thursdays 7-10pm)*

2022 Fall Private Pilot Ground School
August 24 through December 14 (Wednesdays 7-10pm)*

2022 Fall Commercial Pilot Ground School
September 12 through November 28 (Mondays 7-10pm)*

 

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)*

*No class if falling on MLK Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving holidays.