Private Pilot Ground School

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The #1 Private Pilot Ground School

Our Private Pilot ground school delivers an immersive, hands-on learning experience that goes far beyond passive video instruction. You’ll engage with interactive lessons, detailed visual explanations, and real-world scenario tasks that make every concept clear and memorable. Each section uses practical activities and challenges to reinforce your understanding as you progress.

Rather than relying on lecture-style video lessons, we focus on active participation and critical thinking. Regular knowledge checks and quizzes provide constant feedback, tracking your progress and ensuring you develop deep comprehension of the material—-essential for passing the FAA written exam and checkride.

The course blends engaging visuals, in-depth written content, and interactive elements to accommodate different learning preferences. With this approach, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to operate aircraft safely. Begin your flight training with a program proven to prepare students for success on the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test and checkride.

On completion of the course, you will be eligible to receive an instructor recommendation for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

Private Pilot (Airplane)

Covers every topic listed in the FAA Private Pilot ACS. Includes instructor endorsement and money-back guarantee. Try the first three lessons for free. No credit card required - No obligation to purchase.

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What Users Say About Our Private Pilot Ground School and Test Prep

"I began my aviation interest as a young boy who constantly watched history and military channel. Aviation was always my favorite topics. A few years ago I began playing VR flight simulators like iL2 sturmovik. With lots of trial and error I learned how to fly warbirds from world war 1 & 2. All tail draggers for the most part. I learned a lot about flight instruments in both metric and imperial types. I got so comfortable flying I decided well why not improve my knowledge about flight and go to a ground school.

I decided against the multi hundred dollar courses in my city and opted for this ground school app as it seemed to provide the best options for very affordable price. I have learned a tremendous amount using this app. It's made me a much better pilot in my Virtual Reality games. The interface is excellent. The lessons are very straightforward and efficient. Work at your own pace is wonderful and picking whatever topic you want to learn is amazing instead of a boring ridged curriculum. Keywords are all highlighted and when clicked provide a definition. You're never unsure about what your reading as a result. No pressure lesson reviews get you warmed up for the lesson test. If you answer a question wrong clicking the explanation button will provide you with a summary of that topic.

Test scores are all recorded and progress tabs tell you which topics you are doing well in as well as others that need improvement. Stage exams are easy as it's simple to quickly review lessons by numerous methods. Unlimited attempts reduce pressure and the ability to see what questions missed help you learn efficiently. I got this app as a aviation history enthusiast with no serious intention of getting my private pilots license. However this app has made me decide to take the written test for fun even if I don't decide to fly. Who knows, the forecast for pilot careers is trending upward with very lucrative and exciting opportunities available. I may end up proceeding onward to a commercial pilot license route just for the adventure. I highly suggest anyone any age anywhere who have even the smallest amount of interest in flying to just go ahead and get this app. You will learn a lot and enjoy the accomplishments. Or if you have trouble falling asleep like me hop on for a quick lesson then hit the hay. Flying is what you make of it. Always remember to have fun and be safe."

— App Store Review

Basic test prep is free
Upgrade to Premium Test Prep or Ground School and unlock the following features:

Feature	Basic Test Prep Free	Premium Test Prep $49.99	Recommended Ground School $99.99 Free Trial
Basic Question Bank Core questions to prepare for the drone exam, including actual FAA questions.
Premium Question Bank Over 500 questions for maximum preparation, including actual FAA questions.
Review Completed Exams Includes missed questions and explanations.
SmartExam™ Focus on weak areas for maximum improvement.
Flashcards Hundreds of flashcards for memorizing key concepts.
Statistics and Reports Track your progress toward FAA exam readiness.
Web & iOS Access Sync progress across all your devices.
Drone Ground School Course Covers all FAA Airman Certification Standards.
Money Back Guarantee Pass the FAA remote pilot exam on your first attempt — guaranteed.

Lessons and Topics in Drone Ground School Course

Most pilots complete our drone ground school course in 10-12 hours. The course is split into six stages, and includes the following topics required by the FAA Airman Certification Standards for Private Pilot:

The Atmosphere

Atmospheric Composition
Stratosphere
International Standard Atmosphere
Temperature
Effect Of Solar Radiation On Temperature
Temperature Variations Across Geographic Regions
Atmospheric Pressure
Temperature And Pressure Changes With Altitude
Atmospheric Circulation
Coriolis Force
Coriolis Force - Summary
Three-Cell Circulation Pattern

Wind And Currents

Pressure Gradient Force
Pressure Gradient Force: Isobars
Wind Circulation: Pressure Gradient Force Only
Effect Of Coriolis Force On Wind
Coriolis Force: Circulation Patterns
Wind And Flight Planning
Effect Of Surface Friction On Wind Speed And Direction
Surface Wind Flow
Katabatic And Anabatic Wind
Land And Sea Breezes
Convective Currents
Effect Of Obstructions On Wind
Wind Shear
Low Level Wind Shear
Microbursts
Microburst Characteristics
Jet Stream
Jet Stream CAT Avoidance
Mountain Waves
Mountain Wave Length And Amplitude
Visual Indications Of Mountain Waves

Atmospheric Stability

Changes Of State
Relative Humidity
Dewpoint
Stability Of Air
Effect Of Moisture On Lapse Rate
Temperature Inversion
Effect Of Lapse Rate On Stability
Dew And Frost
Clouds
Cloud Altitude Classes
Lenticular Clouds
Fog
Radiation Fog
Advection Fog
Steam Fog
Upslope Fog
Precipitation
Forms Of Precipitation
Ceiling
Visibility
Haze
Smoke
Blowing Obstructions To Vision
Whiteout
Hurricanes

Air Masses And Fronts

Air Masses
Modification Of Air Masses
Ridges And Troughs
Fronts
Warm Front
Cold Front
Stationary Front
Occluded Front
Frontolysis And Frontogenesis
Frontal Waves

Thunderstorms

Cumulus Stage
Mature Stage
Dissipating
Steady State Thunderstorms
Squall Lines
Tornadoes
Turbulence
Clear Air Turbulence
Turbulence Reporting Criteria
Hail
Supercooled Water
Lightning

Principles Of Flight

Properties Of Air
Pressure
Pressure Altitude
Density Altitude
Factors Affecting Density Altitude
Theories Of Lift
Physics Of Motion: Conservation Of Momentum
Physics Of Motion: Acceleration
Physics Of Motion: Friction
Physics Of Motion: Reaction
Bernoulli's Principle Of Differential Pressure
Airfoil Design
Lift Equation
Induced Drag
Stalls

Aerodynamics

Forces On An Aircraft
Weight
Lift
Lift Equation
Thrust
Drag
Parasite Drag
Induced Drag
Lift To Drag Ratio
Forces In Level Flight
Forces In Climbs
Forces In Descents
Forces In Turns
Rate And Radius Of Turn
Effect Of Airspeed On Rate And Radius Of Turn
Slipping Vs Skidding Turns
Aspect Ratio
Ground Effect
Load Factor
Effect Of Load Factor On Stall Speed
Vg Diagram
Vg Diagram: Load Vs Airspeed
Vg Diagram: Effect Of Gusts
Range And Endurance
High Speed Flight

Stability And Control

Lateral Axis
Longitudinal Axis
Vertical Axis
Controllability And Maneuverability
Static Stability
Dynamic Stability
Longitudinal Stability (Pitch)
Longitudinal Stability: Thrust Line
Longitudinal Stability: Phugoid Oscillations
Lateral Stability (Roll)
Directional Stability (Yaw)
Spiral Instability
Spiral Stability (Dutch Roll)
Adverse Yaw
Stalls
Turbulence-Induced Stalls
Common Stall Scenarios
Spins
Effect Of Wing Planform On Stability And Control
Wing Twist
Effects Of Loading Changes On Stability And Control
P-Factor
Torque Reaction
Slipstream (Corkscrew) Effect
Precession

Airframe

Flight Controls
Elevator
Stabilator
Rudder
Ailerons
Flaps
Plain Flap
Split Flap
Slotted Flap
Fowler Flaps
Trim Tabs
Servo Tab
Anti-Servo Tab
Leading Edge Devices
Electrical System
Battery
Alternator
Master Switch
Electrical Bus
Ammeter
Loadmeter
Fuel System
Aviation Fuel Grades
Fuel Contamination
Refueling
Fuel Management
Pascal's Principle And Hydraulics
Brake System
Brake System - Brake Application
Parking Brake

Powerplant

Reciprocating Engine
Intake Stroke
Compression Stroke
Power Stroke
Exhaust Stroke
Induction System
Carburetor
Carburetor Icing
Mixture Control
Fuel Injection
Primer System
Turbocharger
Cooling System
Oil System
Exhaust System
Engine Gas Temperature Gauge
Ignition System
Starting System
Engine Starting
Engine Abnormalities
Propeller
Fixed-Pitch Propeller
Constant-Speed Propeller

Pitot-Static Instruments

Pitot-Static System
Altimeter
Altimeter Interpretation
Types Of Altitude
Altimeter Setting
Temperature Error
Airspeed Indicator
Types Of Airspeed
V-Speeds
Other V-Speeds
Airspeed Markings
Vertical Speed Indicator
Pitot Tube Blocked
Pitot Tube And Pitot Drain Blocked
Static Port Blocked
Pitot And Static Blockage

Gyroscopic Flight Instruments

Gyroscopic Flight Instruments
Precession
Rigidity In Space
Vacuum System
Attitude Indicator
Heading Indicator
Turn Coordinator
Inclinometer
Step On The Ball
Preflight Check

Magnetic Compass

Magnetic Compass
Deviation
Checking Compass Accuracy
Variation
Magnetic Dip
Acceleration Error
Turning Error

Airspace Classes

Class A Airspace
Class B Airspace
Class B Airspace: VFR Charts
Class B Airspace: IFR Enroute Charts
Class C Airspace
Class C Airspace: VFR Charts
Class C Airspace: IFR En Route Charts
Class D Airspace
Class D Airspace Charting
Class E Airspace
Class E: What Do All The Lines Mean?
Class E: 700 AGL Floor
Class E: 700 AGL Floor
Identifying Class E Airspace
700-Foot Class E Adjoining Class G Airspace
1,200-Foot Class E Adjoining Class G Airspace
Class E: Zipper Lines
Surface Class E
Identifying Class E On A Sectional Chart
Federal Airways
Airways: VFR Charts
Airways: IFR Charts
Class G Airspace
Summary Of Transponder Requirements
Deviations From Transponder Requirements

Special Use And Other Airspace

Special Use Airspace
Prohibited Areas
Restricted Areas
Warning Areas
Military Operations Areas
Alert Areas
Controlled Firing Areas
National Security Areas
Special Use Airspace Information
Other Airspace
Military Training Routes
Air Defense Identification Zone
IFR Routes
VFR Transition Routes And Flyways
Parachute Jump Operations
Temporary Flight Restrictions
Wilderness Areas

VFR Flight Rules

Flight Rules
VFR Weather Minimums
VFR Weather Minimums By Airspace Class
Weather Minimums Chart
Special VFR
Maximum Speed 91.117
Minimum VFR Altitude 91.119
VFR Cruising Altitude 91.159
Supplemental Oxygen 91.211
Dropping Objects 91.15
Aerobatic Flight 91.303
Formation Flight 91.111
Altimeter Setting 91.121
Required Preflight Action 91.103

NOTAMs

Notice To Airmen (NOTAM)
Distant NOTAM
NOTAM Keywords
NOTAM Keywords: Definitions
NOTAM Contractions
Date And Time
Distant NOTAM Example
Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAM
Pointer NOTAM
Special Activity NOTAM
Military NOTAM
Units And Geographic References
Locations Of Areas And Objects
Definition Of Circular Areas
Definition Of Polygon Areas

Pilot Certification And Currency

Required Documents
Pilot Certificate
Pilot Certification: Aircraft Categories
Pilot Certification: Aircraft Classes
Aircraft Ratings
Medical Certificate
BasicMed
Currency
Privileges And Limitations: Compensation
Privileges And Limitations: Glider Towing
Complex & High Performance Aircraft
Tailwheel Aircraft
Pressurized Aircraft
Type Ratings
Change Of Address
Logging Of Flight Time 61.51
FAA Publications

Health And Physiological Factors

Hypoxia
Hypemic Hypoxia
Hyperventilation
Other Types Of Hypoxia
Sinus And Middle Ear Problems
Motion Sickness
Carbon Monoxide
Dehydration
Spatial Disorientation And Illusions
Vestibular Illusions
Visual Illusions
Sleep
Circadian Rhythm
Sleep Inertia
Elevated Sleep Drive
Sleep Desynchronization
Fatigue And Stress
Stress Management
Alcohol
Alcohol Hangover
Drugs
Decompression Sickness
Night Vision
Night Vision: Dark Adaptation
Night Blind Spot

Aeronautical Decision Making

Risk Management
Judgment
ADM Process
DECIDE Model
Stress
Hazardous Attitudes
Counteracting A Hazardous Thought
PAVE Checklist
Crew Resource Management

Aircraft Performance

Performance Charts
Interpolation
Interpolation Formula
Using The Interpolation Formula
Mathematical Order Of Operations
Parentheses In A Formula
Pressure Altitude
Takeoff Distance And Ground Roll
Takeoff Performance Example
Landing Distance And Ground Roll
Landing Performance Example
Wind
Headwind And Crosswind Components
Density Altitude
Density Altitude Calculation
Power
True Airspeed
Glide Distance

Weight And Balance

Effects Of Adverse Loading
Terms And Definitions: Weight
Terms And Definitions: Balance
Lever Law
Determine Center Of Gravity
Determining Weight And Balance: Computational Method
Determining Weight And Balance: Graph Method
Determining Weight And Balance: Table Method
Shifting Weight
Removing Or Adding Weight: Table Method
Removing Or Adding Weight: Computational Method

Aircraft Documents

Required Documents
Operating Limitations
Airworthiness Certificate
Airworthiness Categories
Radiotelephone License
Registration
Weight & Balance

Maintenance And Inspections

Airworthiness
Persons Authorized To Perform Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
Inspections
Pitot-Static System Inspection
Transponder Inspection
Annual Inspection
100-Hour Inspection

Required Equipment For VFR Flight

Day VFR Equipment 91.205(b)
Night VFR Equipment 91.205(c)
Flotation Devices 91.205(b)
Emergency Locator Transmitter 91.207
Distance Measuring Equipment 91.205(e)
Inoperative Equipment 91.213
Minimum Equipment List
Special Flight Permit

Introduction To Weather Services

Flight Service Stations
Weather Briefings
Requesting A Weather Briefing
Internet Resources
Airport Weather Sources
Flight Categories

Textual Weather Observations

METAR
PIREP

Textual Weather Forecasts

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast
Wind And Temperature Aloft Forecast
Area Forecast (FA)

Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories

Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories
AIRMET
SIGMET
Severe Weather Watch
Center Weather Advisory (CWA)

Graphical Weather Products

Station Model
Wind Barb
Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
Short-Range Surface Prognostic Chart
Surface Analysis Chart
Convective Outlook Chart
Constant Pressure Analysis Chart
Graphical Forecast For Aviation
Ceiling And Visibility Analysis

Runways And Taxiways

Movement Area
Runway Designation
Visual Runway
Instrument Runway - Non-Precision
Instrument Runway - Precision
Taxiways And Roadways
Closed Runways And Taxiways
Blast Pads (Stopways)
Displaced Threshold
Holding Position Markings
Demarcation Bar
Airport Diagram

Airport Signs

Mandatory Instruction Signs
Location Signs
Direction Signs
Information Signs
Runway Distance Remaining Signs
Destination Signs

Airport Lighting

Airport Beacons
Obstruction Lights
Runway Lights
Runway End Identifier Lights
Precision Runway Lighting
Taxiway Lights
Pilot-Controlled Lighting
Visual Glideslope Indicators
Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI)
Three-Bar VASI
Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
Pulsating Approach Path Indicator

Ground Operation

Radio Communications
Call Signs
Numbers And Time
Altitude
Speed
Heading
Use Of Checklists
Preflight Assessment Of The Aircraft
Passenger Briefing And Use Of Seatbelts
ATIS
Engine Starting
Transponder Operation
Transponder Modes
Taxi Clearance
Taxiing At Non-Towered Airports
Use Of Airport Diagram
Flight Controls During Taxi
Takeoff Clearance
After Landing
Parking
Post-Flight

Traffic Pattern Operations

Traffic Pattern
Airport Types
Part Time Control Towers
Non-Towered Airport Procedure
Towered Airport Procedure
Segmented Circle
Contaminated Runways: Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning
Contaminated Runways: Snow And Slush
Short Runways
Crosswind Landings
Visual References During Landing
Common Landing Errors
Go-Arounds (Rejected Landings)

Collision Avoidance

Right Of Way Rules 91.113
Clearing Turns
Daytime Use Of Aircraft Lighting
ATC Traffic Advisories
Collision Avoidance In Airways
Scanning For Traffic
Evaluating Possible Threats
Collision Avoidance At Night

Private Pilot Maneuvers

Ground Track
Groundspeed
Rate Of Turn
Radius Of Turn
Constant Radius Turns
Rectangular Course
Turns Around A Point
S Turns Across A Road
Steep Turns
Maneuvering In Slow Flight

Night Operations

Definition Of Night
Airplane Lighting 91.209
Night Vision
Improving Night Vision
Night Illusions
Inadvertent IMC
Night Operations Over Water

Land And Hold Short Operations

Land And Hold Short Operations

Wake Turbulence Avoidance

Wake Turbulence
Wake Turbulence Avoidance During Takeoff
Wake Turbulence Avoidance During Approach
Wake Turbulence Avoidance - Crosswind
Helicopter Wake Turbulence
Large Aircraft - Pilot Responsibility

Cold Weather Operations

Supercooled Water
Types Of Ice
Avoidance Of Icing Conditions
Find Freezing Level
Aircraft Preflight
Inflight Deicing Systems
Residual And Intercycle Ice

Aeronautical Charts For VFR Flight

Sectional Charts
Chart Legend
Information Panel
Variation
Coordinate System
Latitude And Longitude
Contour Lines
Color Tint
Maximum Elevation Figure
Obstruction Symbols
Navigation Aids
Checkpoints And Waypoints
Airports
Airport Data
Parachute Jump Areas
Chart Supplement

Cross-Country Flight Planning

Navigation Methods
Plotter
Flight Computer
Dead Reckoning: Wind Triangle
True Course
Magnetic Course
Magnetic Heading
Compass Heading
Groundspeed
Distance
Estimated Time Enroute
Calculate Required Indicated Airspeed
Estimated Time Of Arrival
Calculate Fuel Consumption
Solve For Unknown Wind
VFR Flight Plan

Basic Ground-Based Navigation

VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)
VOR Service Volume
Course Deviation Indicator (CDI)
Cone Of Confusion
Indication Of Unreliable Signal
Absence Of TO-FROM Indication
Calculating Course Deviation
Normal Sensing
Reverse Sensing
Determine Course To Station
Centering The CDI Needle
Tracking A VOR Course
Intercepting A VOR Course
Determine Position
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
VOR Accuracy Check
Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)
GPS CDI Sensitivity
GPS VFR Waypoints

Abnormal And Emergency Procedures

Abnormality vs. Emergency
Deviation From Regulations In An Emergency
Engine Failure
Minimum Fuel
Lost Procedure
Diversion
Loss Of Communications
Light Gun Signals
Recovery From Unusual Flight Attitudes
Incident And Accident Reporting
Notification Of Incidents And Accidents
Reporting Of Incidents And Accidents

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