Private Pilot Airplane

Purpose of this Course

This course provides you with the academic knowledge to pass the FAA Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test (PAR) and the relevant portions of the Oral Exam. Most importantly, it gives new pilots a framework for learning. Instead of merely imparting knowledge, we show you how to consult source material, think critically, and broadly evaluate and mitigate risk.

Training Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: high-quality learning is hard work, and there is no shortcut. There is no way around this truth. Our course provides a framework and resources, but the only path to true learning is through engaged, intentional study and honest reflection of your knowledge and ability throughout the course.

The FAA defines learning as “a change in the behavior of the learner as a result of experience.” Learning isn’t reciting information from memory or passing a written test. It’s about internalizing knowledge in a way that impacts behavior, such as flying more precisely and making wiser decisions.

We wholeheartedly embrace this. We introduce new concepts—particularly the difficult ones—with virtual backboard-style lectures that emphasize core ideas. Afterwards, we restate the content in clear, concise writing. From there, we encourage you to go deeper, referencing source material, using flashcards, and applying knowledge in “what if” scenarios. Along the way, we’ll evaluate progress with a mix of review quizzes and practice exercises.

The great news (besides learning a lot!) is that you will not be journeying alone. You can reach out to our team of instructors or post to our classroom forums at any time. We’re here to help, and we look forward to learning together!

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, you should know to:

• Confidently assess and mitigate risk before and during flights
• Apply your understanding of aerodynamic principles to succeed in flight training
• Critically and independently evaluate the quality of advice from other pilots and instructors through a firm grasp of the knowledge and by referencing source materials
• Decrease flight training costs by exceeding training standards in fewer hours as a result of diligent study and practice
• Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test (PAR) through exceptional knowledge in the fundamentals

Course Order

Ground School topics can be loosely grouped into physical and regulatory subject areas.

Our primary focus is on the physical aspects, including aerodynamics, weather, and aircraft systems. Our reasoning is simple: deficiencies in these areas have extremely high consequences in an airplane. There’s a strong tendency in ground and flight training to overemphasize regulations and neglect the fundamental principles that make for safe flying.

The second half of our course focuses on regulatory topics, including airworthiness and airspace.

That said, the course order is merely a suggestion. You should feel free to complete course material in any order, especially at the direction of your flight instructor.

Course Materials

• Sectional Chart – FAA Digital VFR Charts (Free) or Amazon (Printed)
• Facility Directory (Chart Supplement) – FAA Chart Supplement (Free) or Amazon (Printed)
• Plotter – Amazon
• E-6B Flight Computer – Amazon
• FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual) – eCFR.gov (Free, Most Current) or Amazon (Printed Copy)
• Computer with Internet Access – Required
• iPad (Preferred but not required) – Recommended for digital resources
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS) – FAA ACS (Free) or Amazon (Printed)

Graduation Requirements

We issue a graduation certificate, which doubles as the PAR endorsement, after you:

• Complete all lessons and topics
• Complete all review quizzes
• Pass both final exams with a score of 90% or better