Not only will this course cover all of the FAA-mandated subject material for the Private Pilot, we will also take an in-depth look at safety and operational issues.

Principal Topics to be covered are:

• Aerodynamics and Control
• Engines and Structures (Hands-On in the Maintenance Hangar)
• Instrumentation
• Weather Theory and Interpretation
• FAA Regulations
• Air Traffic Control Procedures
• Flight Fitness and Medical Considerations
• Safety, Decision-Making, Judgment, and Common Errors
• Radio Communications
• Navigation Fundamentals plus Radio and GPS Navigation
• Airspace and Security
• Flight Planning and Chart Interpretation (Practice with Aviation Plotter and Wind Computer. Cartography.)

Fun, informative!

There are typically 10-15 students in this class; young and older, men and women. Learning is enhanced by the sharing of experiences by others who are slightly more advanced in their training and who have the unique perspective of a student pilot.

*** Please read below what others have said about this ground school***

Serious Training

This is a 42-hour course (14 3-hour classes) that is given as a full-credit college course at some major universities. It is thorough and both practical and theory based. However, given the enthusiasm of the students and instructors, it has always been a fun and rewarding experience for all!

Instructors

Your principal instructor for this course will be John Hunter. John is an experienced pilot and holds numerous FAA certifications. He has been teaching aviation courses for 30 years both at the Club and in an airline environment. Other instructors include the Club’s Chief Flight Instructor, George Scheer, and other FAA certified instructors.

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 Location page or call us.

We’re right on US-1 and closer than you’d think!

When

The classes are taught in the evening beginning at 7:00 PM and are typically on Wednesday evenings. (Mondays and Thursdays for the summer session.) 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 are available at wholesale cost. This is a bargain compared to commercially available programs. Additionally there is a $15 discount for those students who are members of the Flying Club (or who sign up for the Club on the same evening as the first ground school class.

Registration for the ground school will be at the first class. Bring your enthusiasm, and a friend!

Here is what others have said about this ground school:

“Excellent course! The overwhelming emphasis is on safety and good decision making while teaching the [FAA] required knowledge.” Ed G. 7/2009

“Great class. I can’t imagine going into flight training without the level of instruction this class provided.” Anon, 7/2009

“Looked forward to every class. Would highly recommend [that] prospective pilots take this course.” Anon. 7/08

“Excellent instruction! Leaves one with a true understanding of what is important.” Thomas C. 12/07

“…very helpful with any questions” Carol D. 12/07

“Absolutely superb course, especially given the minor cost involved” Anon, 4/07

“Much more thorough than the other ground school I took…” Kareem O. 4/07

“I learned much more than I ever would have studying on my own” Anon, 12/05

“Please tell me that the instrument ground school will be this beneficial and enjoyable!” Scott H, 12/04

“I especially appreciated the focus on Safety” Elaine G, 12/04

“Superb course! Many Thanks. Excellent when compared to other similar course I have taken.” Tom T, 7/04.