The instrument rating is the gateway to professionalism as a pilot. And the Instrument Rating Ground School is the gateway to the instrument rating. This rating will allow one to fly in weather otherwise prohibitive. Cross country flights will be more efficient and safer. And flying on an instrument flight plan will allow access to the full utility of the National Airspace System. You will be talking to the same controllers receiving the same services afforded professional pilots flying commercial flights.
Not only will this course cover all of the FAA-mandated subject material for the Instrument Rating, we will also take an in-depth look at emerging technologies and their safety and operational implications. As with all Club ground schools there will be an emphasis on real-life situations and safety.
- Aerodynamics and Control (Real-Life IFR techniques)
- Engines and Structures (Hands-On in the Hangar)
- Instrumentation (All failure modes and partial panel)
- Weather Theory and Interpretation for IFR
- FAA Regulations for IFR
- IFR Air Traffic Control Procedures
- Flight Fitness and Medical Considerations for IFR
- Safety, Decision-Making, Judgment, and Common Errors for Instrument Pilots (Learn from others’ mistakes)
- Radio Communications (and radio failure procedures)
- IFR Navigation Fundamentals (Enroute, terminal and approach, including GPS and RNAV)
- Airspace and Security (including intercept procedures)
- Flight Planning and Chart Interpretation (including NOS and Jeppesen cartography differences)
FUN – INFORMATIVE
Note: This class is open to anyone interested in instrument flying. You do not have to be a Wings of Carolina member to participate in the class. There are typically 10-15 students in this class. Most have significant flying experience and are working on their instrument training. However, some students are just beginning. Learning is enhanced by the sharing of experiences by the more advanced flight students who have the unique perspective of a new instrument pilot “in training.”
Serious Training
This is a 36 hour course involving 12 3-hour classes plus about an equal amount of reading and exercise completion. It is thorough and both practical and theory based. However, given the enthusiasm of the students and instructors, it is typically a fun and rewarding experience for all!
Instructors
Your instructors for this course will be a team of experienced Club flight instructors.
Where
Club ground school courses are taught in our air-conditioned classroom overlooking the approach end of Runway 3 at the Raleigh Executive Jetport at Sanford Lee County. We are about equidistant from The Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and Pinehurst. Our address is 702 Rod Sullivan Rd, Sanford, NC, 27330. It is just off Rt. 1 at exit 76.
When
The classes are all taught in the evening at 7:00pm and are typically on Mondays. For specific dates, please see the ground school page.
Cost and Registration
The first two classes of this course are free! You do not need to preregister. Simply show up for the first class, meet the instructors, and see what it’s all about. No commitment whatsoever for the first two sessions. If you wish to continue and take the complete course, then registration must be completed and tuition payment made before the third class. Tuition cost will be $195. Books and other required supplies will be about $90 or less depending on what you already possess. Two separate payments (one to the instructor for tuition and a second to the Club for books and materials) will be required. Tuition payment can be made by check or cash only, while payment for books may also be made with a credit card.
For complete information and questions about registration and books you may email or call Sue Davis at the Club and email John Hunter or George Scheer for technical information about the course content. (Their contact information is under the Contact tab). And for answers to questions you may have about flying, flight training, and the WCFC see the FAQ page on this website.
Read what others have said about this ground school
“My previous ground school was very superficial compared to the detailed theory covered in this course. I gained a significant level of knowledge not previously obtained.” Roger M 4/2018
“I really enjoyed the content and the thorough approach to the course. This was my second ground school at the club. I will make sure to pass the word along to others that are thinking about a classroom course.” Jason K. 4/2017
You have an excellent reputation for your ground schools, and it is well deserved.” Kate K. 4/2017
“Outstanding class. I came to hear about real IFR flying and I loved it.” Joel K. 4/2015
“Excellent emphasis on safety. Comprehensive, enjoyable, and informative. Great class.” Martin C. 4/2014.
“Much more comprehensive than the weekend course I took before.” Sam M. 4/2013
“Best weather descriptions I’ve ever heard.” Mark S. 3/2012
“…I only wish my professors in college were as captivating.” Adam D. 3/2011
“…this class blows away the DVD course I took and is very important to safety, I believe.” Daniel R. 4/2006
“Excellent course! …excellent instructor –he gives many different perspectives on the material” Judith F. 4/2005