This course will carefully introduce interested pilots to the regulatory, practical, and operational issues involved with becoming a certificated Commercial Pilot. As with all Club ground schools, there will be an emphasis on real-life situations and safety.

This course is aimed both at the pilot looking towards a professional career in aviation AND the pilot who simply wants to increase his or her knowledge about the world of commercial aviation. All are welcome.

Fun and informative!

As much as care will be taken to make sure that this course is thorough and complete, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers and good interchange and participation by all class members. We should have about 10 highly-motivated students and most all have significant flying experience. Learning is enhanced by the sharing of experiences by the more advanced students who have their unique perspective to share with us all. The result is a lively and fun class for every one. [Please see (below) the comments of experienced flight students who have taken ground school courses at the Club.]

Serious Training

This is an 9-week course involving 27 hours of class time plus about an equal amount of reading and exercise completion. It is thorough and both practical and theory based. This will not be a “cram course” typically experienced in a weekend. While we will take care to be sure that the student will be thoroughly prepared to pass the FAA knowledge examination, the emphasis will be on thoroughly understanding the material. The approach to most of the required topics will be more technical and aimed at commercial operations, but those who have taken the WCFC’s Private Pilot Ground School should feel quite at home.

Commercial Pilot Curriculum

• Aerodynamics – [Emphasis on aerodynamic and structural limitations]
• Flight Instrumentation – [Emphasis on operation and failure modes]
• Engines – [Emphasis on operational considerations, indications, and limitations]
• Systems – [Emphasis on propeller, landing gear, hydraulic, electrical, and other systems]
• Airports – [Emphasis on complete familiarity of airport operating environment]
• ATC and Airspace – [Thorough review of AIM and FAR requirements and expectations]
• FARs – [Complete coverage of FARs applicable to Commercial Pilot operations]
• Performance – [Emphasis on all performance considerations for a commercial pilot]
• Weight & Balance – [A thorough understanding of W&B is critical for commercial operations]
• Aeromedical – [A thorough review of aeromedical factors effecting pilots]
• Aeronautical Decision Making – [A review of factors that influence good and bad flying decisions]
• Aviation Weather – [Understanding weather theory and practical application is imperative]
• Charts and Publications – [A thorough review of published resources and their use]
• Navigation – [Navigation planning and systems including HSI, RMI, GPS and others]
• Flight Operations – [Comprehensive review of flight considerations including emergencies]

Instructors

Your principal instructor for this course will be John Hunter. John is an experienced pilot and holds numerous FAA certifications. He has taught in an airline environment, and has extensive experience in commercial (jet and turboprop) operations. He has been teaching aviation courses for over 30 years at the Club. Other instructors will include Club CFIs who have been (or are currently) flying with airlines and commercial operators.

Where

All classes will be held in the air conditioned classroom at the Club’s hangar facility at the Raleigh Executive Jetport @ Sanford-Lee County north of Sanford, south of Apex. For driving instructions, see the Club’s website or call.

When

The classes are all taught in the evening at 7:00om and are typically on Mondays. For specific dates, please see the ground school page.

Cost and Registration

Tuition cost will be $195 payable at the first class. Books and other required supplies will be about $80. This is a bargain compared to commercially available programs. Registration will be at the first class. -Just show up with your enthusiasm!

Read what other experienced pilots have said about club ground schools

[the commercial class was:]  “A fun learning experience.  Enjoyed every bit of it!” Ravi N., 2009

[commercial class instructors]  “Clearly a wealth of knowledge and experience” Anon, 2009

“very much enjoyed the insights into turbine commercial ops outside of the FAA curriculum requirements” Anon, 2009

“…very pleased!  I’m glad I decided to take this course vs going on my own.” Anon, 2008

“Great course.  Wonderful preparation for the FAA test.” Anon, 2008

“Excellent ground school! I really enjoyed it.” Michael T. 2007

“Good preparation and presentation. Open discussions. All questions answered completely and politely. No criticisms!” Anon, 2007